The Arab Film Club Launches Podcast Celebrating Palestinian Cinema
London’s Arab Film Club, known for its monthly gatherings celebrating Arab cinema, recently launched a podcast on May 1st. Spearheaded by Sarah Agha, the club’s founder who is an Irish Palestinian actress and writer, the podcast’s inaugural season will focus on Palestinian filmmakers and cinema’s role in cultural resistance.
Interview-Based Podcast Featuring Prominent Palestinian Filmmakers
The debut episode of the podcast features Darin J. Sallam, director of Jordan’s Oscars entry in 2022, “Farha.” Other episodes include interviews with Lina Soualem, Ameen Nayfeh, Annemarie Jacir, and Farah Nabulsi, all prominent Palestinian filmmakers.
The Urgency of Keeping the Conversation Alive
In a statement to Arab News, Agha emphasized the urgency of continuing conversations about Palestine. She believes that showcasing Palestinian voices through interviews with directors can help keep the dialogue alive and relevant.
The Transformative Power of Cinema
Agha highlighted the transformative potential of cinema, especially in the context of cultural resistance. She believes that films like Sallam’s “Farha” and Soualem’s documentary have the power to spark change and challenge narratives.
Resisting Censorship Through Art
Agha’s podcast comes at a time when Palestinian voices are being censored in the arts. She hopes that by amplifying these voices through the podcast, she can resist censorship and reach a wider audience, including non-Arabs.
Empowering Palestinian Voices Through Film
By featuring interviews with prominent Palestinian filmmakers, Agha aims to empower and amplify Palestinian voices in the face of censorship and challenges. The podcast serves as a platform to showcase the rich and diverse narratives of Palestinian cinema.