We’re excited to kickstart #AFF2021 with AMIRA – a powerful drama that features high-caliber film stars, including Jordanian actress Saba Mubarak and Palestinian actor Ali Suliman.

Winner of three awards at the 2021 Venice International Film Festival

• Lanterna Magica Award at Venice International Film Festival, Italy
• Enrico Fulchignoni Award at Venice International Film Festival, Italy
• INTERFILM Award for Promoting Interreligious Dialogue at Venice International Film Festival, Italy

Amira, a vivacious 17-year-old Palestinian girl, was conceived with the smuggled sperm of her incarcerated father Nawar, who she’s only ever known behind the glass wall of a prison visitation cubicle. Still, the young woman idolizes her father and vividly imagines life together as a family, along with her equally devoted mother Warda. But when a failed attempt to conceive another child reveals Nawar’s infertility, Amira’s world turns upside down. Writer-director Mohamed Diab (Silver Hugo winner with Cairo 678) returns to the Festival with this brilliantly plotted and emotionally complex tale inspired by true stories of children conceived in this way.

This year the Arab Film Festival runs from November 18 to Nov. 24 in person and online!

Grab your Opening Night ticket or choose one of our #AFF2021 Festival Passes to watch all the movies.

Covid Guidelines

All In-Person screenings at the Castro Theater and the Roxie Cinema will require audience members to show proof of vaccination and abide by local guidelines.