Etihad Airways supports Arab Film Festival Australia

Etihad Airways and Arab Film Festival Australia are joining forces again in 2016 to bring the best of contemporary Arab cinema to Australian audiences. The13thannual Arab Film Festival Australia opened last night in Sydney showcasing diverse films from Australia, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Palestine and Syria. The festival program ranges from a powerful story of a mother searching for her son who is missing at war to a comedy about a couple on a mission to stop each other’s snoring. The festival will travel to Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth over the next three weeks.

Etihad Airways’ Senior Vice President Marketing, Shane O’Hare, said Arab Film Festival Australia was an important part of Etihad Airways’ Australian sponsorship portfolio. “As the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad Airways is committed to promoting a deeper appreciation of modern Arabian arts and culture. “As the Principal Sponsor of Arab Film Festival Australia, the airline plays an important role in bringing stories from the Arab world to Australian audiences. “This year’s festival will reach thousands of filmgoers in four Australian citiesincluding Perth for the first time ever.” Arab Film Festival Australia Co-director Fadia Abboud said the festival was delighted to partner with Etihad Airways for the ninth year in a row. “It is our objective to present amazing stories from the Arab world by capturing authentic voices, unique communities and current issues with sophistication and sensitivity. “Etihad Airways helps fulfill this objective by connecting the festival with the best talent in contemporary Arab cinema. “The airline’s support has enabled the festival to bring Assad Fouladkar - the acclaimed director of Halal Love - to Sydney as the special guest for this year’s opening night.”

The festival is produced by Information and Cultural Exchange (I.C.E.). Its organizing committee represents Australia’s diverse Arabic-speaking communities and cultures. The Arab Film Festival Australia will run in Sydney until 24 July, Melbourne from 29-31 July, Canberra from 5-7 August and Perth from 11-12 August. For more information, visit www.arabfilmfestival.com.au