Bodies over time: MENA Film Festival

The fifth annual MENA Film Festival, running from January 27 to February 1 in Vancouver, delves into the theme of time, showcasing films that explore the diasporic experience through innovative cinematic approaches. Featuring 42 films from 25 countries, the festival highlights both experimental and traditional filmmaking by the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) community.

Founded by Arman Kazemi to address the lack of MENA/SWANA representation, the festival presents a diverse array of films that reflect on past, present, and future experiences of the diaspora. Highlights include Beizar Aradini’s A Kurdish Melody: Past & Present and Leila Almaway’s Listed, which examine intergenerational stories and the impact of societal rules on the body.

With a focus on bridging communities and offering new perspectives, the festival celebrates cultural heritage and identity while inviting audiences to engage with evolving narratives.

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