Films from Middle East highlight at 7th IDSFFK

The highlight of the upcoming seventh edition of the International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK), beginning here Friday, would be films from the Middle East.

A curated section comprising five films reflecting the post-Arab Spring and showing the tumultuous times in countries like Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine and its effects on ordinary people will be screened.

The films being screened are Indian premieres and include Sherief Elkatsha's directorial "Cairo Drive", which explores the life of one of the world's most populated cities from its streets.

It showcases the country's collective identity, inherent struggles, and the sentiments that lead through the historic changes taking place in Egypt today.

Ahmed Nour's documentary "Waves" is on the Egyptian city of Suez and the failed dreams of the 2011 Revolution.

"Birds of September" by Sarah Francis explores the city of Beirut. The entire journey becomes a candid and intimate confession, capturing moments from people's lives.

Mais Darwazah's documentary "My Love Awaits Me By The Sea" is a moving, intensely personal essay on her experience as a second generation Palestinian making her first trip to the homeland.

"A World Not Ours", directed by Mahdi Fleifel, is an intimate and humorous portrait of three generations of exile in the refugee camp of Ain el-Helweh, in southern Lebanon.

The film is a sensitive and illuminating study of belonging, friendship, and family.

This edition of IDSFFK, to be held here July 18-22, will see 97 films in the competition section and the films were selected from over 600 entries.