Boston, MA – August 29th, 2008 – The Boston Palestine Film Festival (BPFF) (http://www.bostonpalestinefilmfest.org) returns to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Harvard Film Archive (HFA), Coolidge Corner Theatre with another compelling collection of documentaries, dramatic features and new films by emerging artists commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Nakba, the expulsion from Palestine of much of the indigenous Arab population. The Second Annual Boston Palestine Film Festival will run from October 4 through October 12th, 2008 with free screenings at Northeastern University, Harvard University and Boston College. There will also be an opening reception on Saturday, October 4th at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts’ Main Hall following the opening film «Slingshot Hip Hop» at the MFA.
In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Nakba, over 45 films by international directors will be shown; many dealing with the root issues of dispossession and diaspora. Also featured are the works of critically acclaimed directors such as Yousry Nasrallah, Annemarie Jacir; the first feature by a Palestinian woman showcased at the Cannes film festival in 2008; and a retrospective of celebrated filmmaker Michel Khleifi.
From the fractured historical legacy of refugees in Bab el Shams to the darkest tribal intrigues of Maria’s Grotto to the brash exultations of young rappers in Slingshot Hip Hop, these films allow the viewer to understand the story of Palestine yesterday and today. The avant-garde recycling of found footage (Jerusalem, the Adulterous Wife) and the clever use of pop editing and visual strategies (Around) provide interesting cinematic backdrops to these stories.
Discussions with directors will follow most screenings. The 2008 festival program schedule will be online by mid-September here
