Starting March 5 and running through March 11, the Athena Cinema and Arts for OHIO monthly film series, Cinematheque, will present a series of films focusing on women’s issues in the conflict-plagued Middle East.
There will be eight films shown during this series, ranging from short movies to documentaries to longer feature films, but all have one thing in common --the theme of injustices that women face in this troubled region of the world. The films will present issues including arranged marriages, the fight for equality and war.
This film series will have something to offer all audiences, especially people interested in women’s studies and the Middle East.
One of the films, "Arranged," deals with the tradition of arranged marriages in the Islamic faith, and how it even carries over to America. The film revolves around two teachers in Brooklyn who will have to rely on each other and their friendship during this trying time. They do not want to reject the values of tradition, but at the same time want to be strong, independent women in charge of their own happiness.
Also in the series is "Afghan Star." This Sundance award-winning documentary follows the story of Afghanistan’s reality TV show, "Afghan Star" -- similar to "American Idol." Though this show is similar to its American counterpart, it is shot in a very different setting. The show breaks down barriers by letting women compete, and letting audiences vote on the winner -- a small taste of democracy for this country.
Another unique and revolutionary film to be shown during this week of screenings will be "Persepolis," an animated movie based on a graphic novel. It tells the story of a young girl living through the Islamic Revolution in Iran. She is a clever and fearless girl, who in the movie discovers the "punk" lifestyle when she moves to Europe, but after her uncle’s unfair execution and the ongoing violence surrounding her family in Iran, is reconnected to her home.
Admission is free for all OHIO students with a valid ID and $4 for the public. Visit www.athenacinema.com for a complete list of the films and screenings.