Arab Film Festival postponed over war
Organizers of San Francisco’s 27th annual Arab Film Festival have decided to postpone this year’s event due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that broke out Oct. 7.
Serge Bakalian, the executive director of the Arab Film and Media Institute, announced the decision on social media, emphasizing that it was made after extensive discussions with the team and community leaders.
The festival, scheduled to open on Nov. 10 at the Castro Theatre, aims to celebrate Arab cinema from various Middle Eastern regions, including the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia. However, the organizers feel it’s not the right time for a celebration.
“We have always found strength in coming together around movies, sharing our stories and narratives; that is still and will always be our mission,” Bakalian wrote in a Facebook post on Friday, Oct. 20. “But in light of current events and the speed at which catastrophes are unfolding, we feel the need to be present and hold space for each other in a different way.”
Bakalian acknowledged the diverse emotions within the community, stating that some are mourning, some are angry, and others are experiencing anxiety or shock. He assured that the 27th Arab Film Festival is not canceled and will be rescheduled for a later date.
“We simply don’t believe this is the right time,” he said.
The Arab Film Festival was previously delayed for five months in 2001 after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks prompted organizers to cancel it.
In the meantime, organizers will provide refunds for all festival passes and tickets purchased in advance. Additionally, the institute will offer free online screenings of Arab and Palestinian films.
“These days we do need each other’s love, empathy and understanding more than ever,” Bakalian said.