Arab Film Festival: In Conversation with Serge Bakalian and Maya Labban

KPFA - Hard Knock Radio

In a recent conversation on Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D spoke with Serge Bakalian and Maya Labban, directors of the Arab Film Festival. They discussed the festival’s significance and the impact of current events on its programming. Set to kick off soon, the festival is the oldest and largest showcase of Arab films outside the Arab world, celebrating 28 years in the Bay Area.

Serge shared insights about the festival’s mission to present a more nuanced portrayal of Arab culture, particularly in light of the dehumanization often seen in mainstream media. Both Serge and Maya emphasized the importance of storytelling in challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding. They acknowledged the unique challenges this year, particularly regarding funding, as many potential supporters focus on immediate humanitarian crises over arts funding.

Despite these challenges, Maya noted an encouraging trend: filmmakers are shifting their focus away from conflict-driven narratives to explore diverse human experiences. She highlighted films that center on personal stories, such as a mother baking pies to support her family amidst turmoil, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.

The directors expressed their commitment to maintaining the festival’s independence and inclusivity, particularly in representing queer voices within the Arab community. The festival’s opening night film, *Life is Beautiful: A Letter to Gaza*, aims to evoke empathy and solidarity, showcasing the power of cinema to connect people across cultures and experiences. Overall, the festival serves as a vital platform for underrepresented narratives and promotes deeper conversations about identity, culture, and human rights.Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.

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