Today, the Middle Eastern countries are still facing political upheavals such as the long-standing civil war in Syria and Yemen. The Sasakawa Middle East Islam Fund, through a documentary film, aims to explore the life of the people in the region.
Director Nadine Salib will share with us the background of the film making, as well as everyday life of women in Egypt. Ms. Kaoru Yamamoto, an expert on Middle Eastern Films, will be moderating the discussion.

【Director Nadine Salib】
Born 1984, in Egypt. In 2012 Nadine directed Fagr (Dawn), which won second prize in the Arab Women Filmmakers competition at the Baghdad International Film Festival, and first prize at the Goethe Independent Film Festival in Egypt. Um Ghayeb premiered at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam in 2014, winning the Peter Wintonick Special Jury Award for First Appearance. It also won the FIPRESCI Award for Best Documentary at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival (YAMAGATA International Documentary Film Festival).

Synopsis of "Um Ghayeb: Mother of the Unborn"

In a village in southern Egypt inhabited by many grave keepers, Hanan is called Um Ghayeb, or “mother of the unborn.” In attempting to conceive, she tries everything from witchcraft to surgery, and searches for the meaning of her role in the community. Hanan’s views toward life and death offer a commentary on gender politics, and on what it means to lead a life rooted firmly in the land (YAMAGATA International Documentary Film Festival).

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The Sasakawa Middle East Islam Fund
Mr. Yokoyama, Ms. Kurokawa
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Tel: 03-5157-5181