PRAYER OF THE WANDERER is a short film program that explores the complex and multifaceted experiences of Arab American immigrants in their pursuit of identity within the context of living in the United States. By delving into their narratives, this event seeks to shed light on the richness and diversity of Arab American cultural heritage while confronting the challenges faced by individuals in navigating their dual identities. Through a carefully curated selection of films, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the Arab American community's varied contributions to society while inviting audiences to contemplate the universal themes of belonging, adaptation, and self-discovery.
Featuring works by Ahmed Ragheb & Lily Ekimian, Darine Hotait, Jenna Bosco, Randa Ali, Reem Jubran, Shayma Aziz, and Zayn Alexandre.
Jad and Rania, a Lebanese couple living in New York City, struggle to achieve their shared dream of breaking into the acting industry due, in part, to the typecasting of Middle-Eastern actors. The combined pressures of juggling multiple day jobs and living so far from home begin to eat away at Jad, while Rania relishes the struggle. These differences are brought to light on the day that Jad proposes to Rania, and their relationship is put to a test as it becomes clear that their time abroad has left them yearning for different things.
Zayn Alexander is a Lebanese film director and actor based in New York City. Alexander’s debut short film, “Abroad”, an intimate drama that explores the life of a Lebanese immigrant couple, made its world premiere at the Oscar-qualifying Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Alexander’s second directorial effort, “Manara”, debuted during the 76th Venice Film Festival in the Giornate degli Autori section (2019 Venice Days). In 2020, Alexander was awarded the prestigious Khayrallah Art Prize for Abroad’s “deep and honest exploration of diaspora and immigration”. Most recently, Alexander was selected to participate in the '21 TIFF Filmmaker Lab taking place during the 46th Toronto International Film Festival.
PRAYER OF THE WANDERER is a short film program that explores the complex and multifaceted experiences of Arab American immigrants in their pursuit of identity within the context of living in the United States. By delving into their narratives, this event seeks to shed light on the richness and diversity of Arab American cultural heritage while confronting the challenges faced by individuals in navigating their dual identities. Through a carefully curated selection of films, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the Arab American community's varied contributions to society while inviting audiences to contemplate the universal themes of belonging, adaptation, and self-discovery.
Featuring works by Ahmed Ragheb & Lily Ekimian, Darine Hotait, Jenna Bosco, Randa Ali, Reem Jubran, Shayma Aziz, and Zayn Alexandre.
Jad and Rania, a Lebanese couple living in New York City, struggle to achieve their shared dream of breaking into the acting industry due, in part, to the typecasting of Middle-Eastern actors. The combined pressures of juggling multiple day jobs and living so far from home begin to eat away at Jad, while Rania relishes the struggle. These differences are brought to light on the day that Jad proposes to Rania, and their relationship is put to a test as it becomes clear that their time abroad has left them yearning for different things.
Zayn Alexander is a Lebanese film director and actor based in New York City. Alexander’s debut short film, “Abroad”, an intimate drama that explores the life of a Lebanese immigrant couple, made its world premiere at the Oscar-qualifying Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Alexander’s second directorial effort, “Manara”, debuted during the 76th Venice Film Festival in the Giornate degli Autori section (2019 Venice Days). In 2020, Alexander was awarded the prestigious Khayrallah Art Prize for Abroad’s “deep and honest exploration of diaspora and immigration”. Most recently, Alexander was selected to participate in the '21 TIFF Filmmaker Lab taking place during the 46th Toronto International Film Festival.