Description
Experience the magic of multi-generational Palestinian short documentaries, an avant-garde experimental film, and a mesmerizing Music Video by the talented Palestinian filmmaker and vocalist, Dina Amin. Also a live Q&A with Dina after the screening!
Event Details
Join us as we host an electric evening on Saturday, May 4th from 4:00-6:30PM at the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (address noted below) of Palestinian Stories: a cinematic experience comprised of multi-generational short documentaries, an experimental film, and a music video all by the acclaimed Palestinian filmmaker and vocalist, Dina Amin.
Encapsulate yourself in these stories that exemplify the essence of Palestinian culture, resilience, and the spirit of change. A Q&A with Dina will immediately follow the screening for an interactive session with the audience. Don’t miss out on this astonishing evening of talent, love, and community!
Who is Dina Amin?
Born in Jerusalem, Palestine, Dina Armin is an award-winning and multi-talented filmmaker and vocalist who strives to tell inspirational stories on social and humanitarian issues. While she was studying for a BA degree in Filmmaking in London (UK), Dina co-directed and co-produced her first short documentary, “Rise Up” which was screened in five international film festivals. Dina also is the co-founder of Space Collective, an art house working to build a stronger community in film and music. She writes, “As a filmmaker, I find it vital to represent the voices of those Palestinians who have, for too long, been silenced”.
The list of short documentaries, films, and a music video are below:
Short Documentary Films
Vine Leaves – the personal story of the filmmaker’s Syrian grandmother who moved from her birth city in Damascus, Syria to Jerusalem after marrying her Palestinian husband in the 1960s. The film portrays her story of how and why she came to Jerusalem as well as asking two important questions: How was her life impacted moving to a new city where she was far away from family, and will she ever return to Syria?
Um Suliman – Jerusalem native Yara Dowani, trained in sustainable land management and organic farming, leads the Um- Suliman ecological garden project on an organic farm to foster a sustainable community in the quaint town of Bil’in. Through workshops that attract participants from all over the world, follow Yara as her initiative stands as a unifying force on this singular plot of land.
Creating Change – a short documentary that delves into the lives of two young and inspiring Palestinian content creators, Donia and Rand, as they work to challenge stereotypes, redefine the Palestinian narrative.
The Palestine Before - Through inter-generational family conversations, the film aims to empower communities to have important and emotional conversations about displacement, belonging, and home. These family stories document the collective struggle and resistance of the Palestinian people by teasing out nuances, similarities, and differences of experience.
Rise Up – A short documentary following three young Palestinian artists based in the West Bank: a theater director, a filmmaker, and a DJ. This short film explores what it means to be an artist in Palestine, in relation to both the local culture and restrictions imposed by the military occupation. Why is art such a powerful tool, and how are these different art forms used as a positive tool for change?
Behind the Veil – An experimental fashion film delving into internal conflicts experienced by Arab woman within predominantly male-centric societies. It vividly portrays their feelings of isolation, constraint, and resilience amidst societal challenges. Women are depicted as continually wearing masks to navigate the societal expectations, yet the film uncovers the truth behind these façades, revealing the complexities of their inner worlds.
Music Video
Jowa El-kon – When Dina combines two of her talents into one endeavor, serving as both a writer/director and a performer in a single music video, she draws inspiration from the Big Bang theory, highlighting the significance of being in a specific moment within the vast universe. The overarching theme also reflects dimensions and timelines simultaneously. And from her experience, it is simply being born a Palestinian in Palestine.
Address for St. Andrews Presbyterian Church:
14311 Wells Port Dr., Austin TX 78728
Encapsulate yourself in these stories that exemplify the essence of Palestinian culture, resilience, and the spirit of change. A Q&A with Dina will immediately follow the screening for an interactive session with the audience. Don’t miss out on this astonishing evening of talent, love, and community!
Who is Dina Amin?
Born in Jerusalem, Palestine, Dina Armin is an award-winning and multi-talented filmmaker and vocalist who strives to tell inspirational stories on social and humanitarian issues. While she was studying for a BA degree in Filmmaking in London (UK), Dina co-directed and co-produced her first short documentary, “Rise Up” which was screened in five international film festivals. Dina also is the co-founder of Space Collective, an art house working to build a stronger community in film and music. She writes, “As a filmmaker, I find it vital to represent the voices of those Palestinians who have, for too long, been silenced”.
The list of short documentaries, films, and a music video are below:
Short Documentary Films
Vine Leaves – the personal story of the filmmaker’s Syrian grandmother who moved from her birth city in Damascus, Syria to Jerusalem after marrying her Palestinian husband in the 1960s. The film portrays her story of how and why she came to Jerusalem as well as asking two important questions: How was her life impacted moving to a new city where she was far away from family, and will she ever return to Syria?
Um Suliman – Jerusalem native Yara Dowani, trained in sustainable land management and organic farming, leads the Um- Suliman ecological garden project on an organic farm to foster a sustainable community in the quaint town of Bil’in. Through workshops that attract participants from all over the world, follow Yara as her initiative stands as a unifying force on this singular plot of land.
Creating Change – a short documentary that delves into the lives of two young and inspiring Palestinian content creators, Donia and Rand, as they work to challenge stereotypes, redefine the Palestinian narrative.
The Palestine Before - Through inter-generational family conversations, the film aims to empower communities to have important and emotional conversations about displacement, belonging, and home. These family stories document the collective struggle and resistance of the Palestinian people by teasing out nuances, similarities, and differences of experience.
Rise Up – A short documentary following three young Palestinian artists based in the West Bank: a theater director, a filmmaker, and a DJ. This short film explores what it means to be an artist in Palestine, in relation to both the local culture and restrictions imposed by the military occupation. Why is art such a powerful tool, and how are these different art forms used as a positive tool for change?
Behind the Veil – An experimental fashion film delving into internal conflicts experienced by Arab woman within predominantly male-centric societies. It vividly portrays their feelings of isolation, constraint, and resilience amidst societal challenges. Women are depicted as continually wearing masks to navigate the societal expectations, yet the film uncovers the truth behind these façades, revealing the complexities of their inner worlds.
Music Video
Jowa El-kon – When Dina combines two of her talents into one endeavor, serving as both a writer/director and a performer in a single music video, she draws inspiration from the Big Bang theory, highlighting the significance of being in a specific moment within the vast universe. The overarching theme also reflects dimensions and timelines simultaneously. And from her experience, it is simply being born a Palestinian in Palestine.
Address for St. Andrews Presbyterian Church:
14311 Wells Port Dr., Austin TX 78728
