Los Angeles (WAM)
The Cultural Embassy of the Arab Organization for Education, Culture and Science “ALECO” organized a screening of the Emirati documentary film “100 Packages” at “Soho House” in Hollywood. This is the first cultural embassy event to be organized in America and outside the Arab world.
The film screening activities included a panel discussion presented by Yemeni plastic artist Yasmine Nasser Diaz on the role of art in crisis areas, in the presence of Hazza Al Kaabi, Consul General of the State in Los Angeles, Larisa Kolesnimova, founder of the Malibu Club for Artistic Acquisition, and a number of filmmakers and those interested in cinema. In her talk, Diaz addressed topics including the impact of the power of art and creativity, and the agency of Yemeni women, artists and children. She also recounted her experience and her upbringing in Chicago as part of the Yemeni diaspora, and working as an artist in Los Angeles, and talked about her recent exhibitions, including the exhibition “The Voice of Your Voice is Home” held at Glendale Library in Los Angeles, and the “Soft Powers” exhibition held at the National Museum American, Dearborn, Michigan.
“100 Packages” sheds light on landmines and their impact on life, as their severe damage and danger remain present and latent on civilians and society for years even after the end of the conflict.
The film “100 Packages”, produced by Anasi Media and directed by Mazen Al-Khairat, won the Gold Award at the International Independent Film Awards in America, was nominated for the “Rome Prisma” Film Awards in Italy, and reached the Flickr Road Island International Festival qualifiers. It was officially selected for the North Carolina Film Festival, Stockholm City Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, and Syracuse International Film Festival.