This Day by Akram Zaatari (France/Lebanon, 2003, 86 min, DV-Cam) New York Premiere

Synopsis:

In a thoughtful, dreamlike montage, the Beirut-based video artist examines archival photos, from portraits of Bedouins in the desert to the bomb-rent sky over the Lebanese capital. The imagery moves from an idyllic rural past, when the central conflict was between camel and car, to the strife-ridden present of propaganda and urban alienation. From his perch at the editing station, where he assembles these layers of history, Zaatari wonders what truths are ultimately captured in these photographs? In Arabic and English with English subtitles.

Post-screening panel discussion with filmmaker Akram Zaatari and Walid Raad (Cooper Union)

Filmmaker's Bio:

Akram Zaatari is a video artist and curator who lives and works in Beirut. He is author of more than thirty videos, and video installations. He is co-founder of the Arab Image Foundation (Beirut) through which he developed his recent research-based work on the photographic history of the Middle East and the basis for a series of exhibitions and publications. His video works includes In This House (2005), How I love You (2001), Her + Him Van Leo (2001), Red Chewing Gum (2000), Crazy of You (1997), All is Well on the Border (1997), and The Candidate (1996)

Festivals and Awards:

• Documentary Film Festival, Marseille, Prix Son Award, 2004

Print Source Information:

Akram Zaatri
Email: akram@fai.org.lb