Festival du Monde Arabe Covers a World

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For its 16th edition, le Festival du Monde Arabe will be held from October 31 to November 15 in the city.

The festival has received support from the Government of Quebec that has estimated that the festival promotes cultural differences and exchange between cultures, highlighting the creativity arising from the meeting of Arab culture and the Western world. “This reflects the face of Montreal and of Quebec in general: a curious and welcoming society which is open to the world.”

Designed and produced by Alchimies, Créations et Cultures, the festival takes place every autumn in Montreal and extends the summer festival season. The event offers a thematic and multidisciplinary programming ranging from film screenings, conferences and debates, music, dance and theater.

The central theme for this year is Hilarus Delirus, illustrated by a clown who plays the violin with a sword. The design has created some controversy and the festival had to explain the vision behind.

The clown of the FMA does not kill; the absurdity of the world does!

Here are our picks for the FMA

 

Performing Arts

LES FLEURS DE L’AMERTUME (Collective writing)

This theatrical tale showcases the experience of the director and the comedians of the play Les Papiers de l’amour during their tour in South America, British Columbia, Lebanon and other countries. Les Fleurs De l’Amertume is a strong testimony of the human relationships between Palestinians and Jews, relationships that are a constant battle between adversity and promises of life. November 5, 8 p.m. at Place des Arts. free. 

ELECTRO MYSTIQUE(Morocco, France | Syria, USA) and N3RDISTAN

This live show will bring together a fusion of sounds from the modern digital era and traditional oriental heritage. The group N3rdistan invites the audience to dive into a deeply mystical atmosphere, a fusion between Amon Tobin and the poet Nizar Qabbani. This is the challenge of reconciling classical poetry and rap, traditional and electronic instruments. Built around its charismatic singer Walid Benselim, N3rdistan is inspired by the story of an exile with his mystical melodies and songs and his disturbing lyrics. November 8, 8 p.m., Sala Rossa. $18.

SIRÈNE DES SABLES (Québec, Algeria)

Having an Algerian background and marked by several cultures, Lynda Thali is also Quebecer in heart and by adoption. Accompanied by the OktoEcho Orchestra, Lynda Thali (author, composer and performer) will offer a live performance that resembles her: multicultural and vibrant. November 13, 8 p.m., Theatre Rialto. $25

 

Culture Forum

The Culture Form includes lectures and talks with moderators. This festival’s component is available to all without charge. Its aim is to be a forum for exchange and discussion.

L’ESPRIT CRITIQUE EST-IL EN PÉRIL?: Cultural communities and siege mentality

Chat with the participation of Victor Teboul and Rashad Antonius. In his book Libérons-nous de la mentalité d’assiégé. Dits et écrits iconoclasts (Accent Grave Editions, 2014), the writer Victor Teboul argues that critical thinking is in danger. According to him, if the principle of secularism went through major attacks during the recent debate on the Charte des droits’ draft, it is because various groups perceived the affirmation of this principle as an infringement on their rights. November 5, 6 p.m., UQAM (Local A-5020, Pavillion Aquin, 5e étage). free

SOIRÉE POÉSIE with Saadallah Maksoud (Syria, Quebec)

The journalist and writer chose to turn his discomfort and pain into poetry. Through his poems he fights the feeling of death that takes over his soul when he looks back to his native country: Syria. In his newly appeared book, he attempts to exorcise fear, false utopias and mirage of freedom. November 7, 3 p.m., Espace Passerelle. free

 

Cinema

PALESTINE STEREO

The fate of two Palestinian brothers forced to leave Palestine decide to immigrate to Canada. October 31, and November 2 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Cinema du Parc. $10.50

I AM NOJOOM, AGE 10 AND Divorced

Nojoom, a 10 year old girl enters court and says she wants a divorce from a man who is 20 years older than her and who she was forced to marry. November 1, 5pm at the old ONF Cinema. $10.50

Free Events

SITAR URBAIN
Sadegh Moradianpoor presents this show. He plays  the Iranian instrument inspired by the oriental lute known  November 5, 6:30 p.m.,  l’Escalier. free

LE JARDIN PARFUMÉ DE YASMINA BENGUIGUI

Inspired by the erotic book of the poet Muhammad Al Nafzaoui, this documentary offers an immersion in the contemporary oriental world and the paradoxical relationship that its individuals have with sexuality and desire.
November 11, 7 p.m., Espace Passerelle. free

DÉLIRE EN BPM

The crowd is invited to dance to the sounds of hip hop, trip hop and electro mixed with the sounds of oriental instruments. November 12, 8 p.m., Belmont. free.

The Festival du Modne Arabe continues until November 15 at various locations. For futher information about events, click HERE.