Two cousins born in separate countries reunite in Brooklyn when a run-in with an ex turns the night into a mission of revenge. COUSINS explores cultural disconnect between family members and identity within oneself. Festivals &amp; Awards:<img src="https://mad-distribution.film/img/points.png" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0px; vertical-align: middle; color: rgb(100, 100, 100); font-family: Roboto-Light; font-size: 18px;">&nbsp;Official Selection - Frameline 2023<img src="https://mad-distribution.film/img/points.png" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0px; vertical-align: middle; color: rgb(100, 100, 100); font-family: Roboto-Light; font-size: 18px;">&nbsp;Official Selection - New Fest 2023 Filmmaker bio: <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/41f4625e179d70099fa66e25d4f160cf.jpg" width="144" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 1em 1em 0px;">Karina Dandashi is a Syrian American Muslim filmmaker born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. Her films explore nuances in identity through the intersection of family, religion, and culture in Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) and Muslim communities in America. Her work has been featured in numerous Oscar-Qualifying festivals around the U.S. and recently screened at The Museum of Modern Art. Karina is a 2020 Creative Culture Fellow at The Jacob Burns Film Center and a 2021 Sundance Ignite Fellow. She was featured in Marie Claire’s inaugural Creators Issue as one of the “Top 21 Creators to Watch'' in 2022.

English

Cousins

Two cousins reunite in Brooklyn when a run-in with an ex turns the night into a mission of revenge.

In a society of expectations, Ahmed and Salma, two young homosexuals, marry for convenience, seeking freedom and pursuing their passions. With secret lovers representing their true identities, they navigate emotional challenges, questioning sacrifices made to preserve their secret. CONDITIONAL DESIRE explores identity, love, and staying true in a restrictive world. Filmmaker bio:<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/70506916654ab85200c5957330f99f6f.jpg" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 1em 1em 0px;" width="132">Born in Tunis in 1994, Houcem obtained a Bachelor's degree in Film and Audiovisual Studies, specializing in writing and directing at ISAMM, as well as a professional Master's degree in Production and Distribution at ESAC. Houcem has participated in several national and international festivals with his graduation project short film titled "IITIDEL". This film addresses the subject of religious freedom. Some of the festivals where his short film has been showcased include Fifog Geneva, Cinémator France, and Fifag Gabès. Since 2016, Houcem has been passionately working as an assistant directorand casting director, bringing his expertise and dedication to every project he is involved in. He has gained diverse experience working in the advertising industry, as well as Tunisian and foreign films and productions. He has had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned production companies in Tunisia, such as Nomadis Images, Artistesproducteurs associés, and Instinct Bleu Films... Throughout his career, Houcem has had the privilege of working alongside acclaimed directors, some of whom have been recognized and awarded, including Mohamed Ben Attia, Lotfi Achour, Anissa Daoud, and Meryam Joobeur... These collaborations have been valuable opportunities for him to refine his skills and deepen his understanding of the art of filmmaking. In addition to his work in the film industry, Houcem has also gained experience in organizing film festivals. He has worked in the communications department of prestigious events such as the Carthage Film Festival, the Manarat Mediterranean Film Festival of Tunisia, and Gabès Cinéma Fen. These experiences have allowed him to develop his communication skills. Houcem is also passionate about black and white photography, capturing images that reflect the essence and beauty of the world around him. Houcem continues to evolve as a filmmaker and is ready to take on new artistic challenges. His first short film titled “CONDITIONAL DESIRE" was produced by Instinct Bleu Films in 2023.

Sex/sexual situations, nudity, tobacco use

Conditional Desire

In a society of expectations, two young homosexuals marry for convenience, seeking freedom.

Sabrina is about to marry Younes, a marriage that means everything to her mother and grandmother. But on the eve of this commitment, Sabrina backs out. Filmmaker bio: <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/eventive-static/337273742e5eb488042dbd3c6650759b.jpg" style="display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 1em 1em 0px;" width="141">Anissa Allali is an actor, writer and director. She has played for theater and on screen for television and film and founded an acting coaching school (PAT Studio). YA BENTI is her first professional short film, after having written and directed two films during her studies (Auber and On va s'arrêter là).

Profanity, sexual situations, alcohol & tobacco use

Ya Benti

On the eve of her marriage to Younes, Sabrina backs out.

United States of America

Shorts: Queer Lens

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Welcome to the virtual portal of the 26th edition of the Arab Film Festival, North America's oldest and largest festival dedicated to Arab Cinema.  If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area make sure to browse the full program and schedule at arabfilmfestival.org, or click on FULL FESTIVAL SITE above.

North America's oldest and largest festival of Arab films. The flagship event of the Arab Film and Media Institute, the festival's mission is to present the richness of Arab culture through authentic narratives and images, providing insight into the beauty and complexity of the Arab world.

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