Telling Stories, Memories and Belongings The epic oral traditions of storytelling in the Arab world continue to survive and evolve through transmission and performance, informing Arabic literature and influencing storytelling throughout the world - including in Australia.

This November, the Arab Film Festival is travelling across Australia for the first time. The national tour kicks off in Sydney before heading to Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide.

We open this week with a fantastic program of films from across the Arab world. Sexy thrillers, light-hearted comedy, hard-hitting political drama and funky shorts will throw you head first into contemporary Arab experience.

Get your tickets now and make sure you don’t miss the official opening night - film and party.

Come see a film and be entertained at the 5th Arab Film Festival which opens on Thursday 2 July, 2009 at the Riverside Theatres, Parramatta with the first Jordanian feature film to be screened in Australia, Captain Abu Raeed. Winner of the Audience Award at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, this drama delves into the lives of everyday people when a lonely janitor working at Amman Airport is mistaken for a pilot.

Sunday 5 July, 2pm

Films and forum that explore social justice, artistic expression and cultural activism

Screenings include Huriyya and Her Sisters + My Journey + The Secret World. Huriyya and Her Sisters Australia / 2009 / 8 mins

Huriyya and Her Sisters is a short animation produced by Bankstown Area Multicultural Network Inc (BAMN) and created by young women [...]