Anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and anti-immigrant sentiments are nothing new, but at this political and cultural moment, they have reached a dangerous fever pitch. How do we work against this hateful rhetoric? Film has the power to connect people to one another’s stories and generate empathy in a powerful way. In the spring of 2018, Mizna will bring independent Arab cinema to the St. Cloud area, screening selections from the best of our previous festivals, covering a range of forms, nationalities, and subjects.

All students, local residents, and Minnesotans are welcome to engage with these authentic narratives by contemporary Arab filmmakers. Some screenings will be followed by a post-screening discussion engaging audiences with local Arab and Muslim thinkers and creatives, delving into the aesthetics and critical topics brought up by the film.

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.