Upstairs Theatre

With unadulterated truth and complexity, Arab Women Say What?! paints an unparalleled portrait of Arab women living in Canada. The film offers a counter-mainstream narrative that embraces the unique experiences and perspectives of eight Arab women sharing their insights, cuisine and laughter. Amid the rhythm of poetry and music, they tackle issues of feminism, politics, exile and the yearning for a sense of belonging.

Shadow of the Butterflies (Morocco)
In a mysterious forest, a woman is slowly lured into a nostalgic daydream as she observes butterflies.

I Promise You Paradise (Egypt)
Official Selection – Critics Week – Cannes Film Festival
Following a violent incident, Eissa, a 17 year old African migrant in Egypt is on a quest against time to save his loved ones, whatever it takes.

Bundle of Joy (Saudi Arabia)
As Hamad anticipates the birth of his first child, he grapples with anxiety about how his life will change.

Transit (Iraq)
Yacoub is employed in the statistics department at a hospital, answering calls from families seeking information about missing persons during the war. Every so often, he encounters a phone conversation that triggers feelings of resentment, suspicion, and anxiety

Truce (Jordan)
In the vast expanse of the Jordanian desert, two strangers from completely different worlds meet by chance. A silly misunderstanding sparks a heated confrontation as they try to hold on to their humanity.

Based on the popular short film “The Last Baron,” THE LEBANESE BURGER MAFIA is crowd-funded feature documentary about Burger Baron, a rogue fast-food chain with mysterious origins, a cult following, and a secret pathway to the immigrant dream. It follows Omar Mouallem, filmmaker and heir to a Burger Baron franchise, as he chases clues through rural Alberta, capturing the trials and tribulations of Arab immigrants and a relentless battle over the burger chain’s trademark rights.

Nominee – Un Certain Regard Award – Cannes Film Festival
Nominee – Golden Camera – Cannes Film Festival
Winner – Un Certain Regard Award – Freedom Prize – Cannes Film Festival
Nominee – Creme de la Creme Award – Warsaw International Film Festival

Just before the secession of South Sudan, a married former singer from the north seeks redemption for causing the death of a southern man by hiring his oblivious wife as her maid.

Critics Week – Cannes Film Festival

After the sudden death of her husband, Nawal finds herself in a battle for her rightful share of the inheritance, in a society where the birth of a son could tip the scales in her favor.

Two sisters arrive in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley at the onset of the Syrian war, embarking on a journey into exile that tests their loyalty to their country, their family and each other.

“Valley of Exile is a beautiful story of resilience made with enough heart and sincerity that you can’t help but feel it’s a story told from the ​inside of its conflict.” – Movie-blogger.com

“The film is a testament to the strength and bravery of the women dealing with impossible conditions but finding a way to carry on.” – Splash Magazines

L/ACID Cannes 2023

On a full moon night, the young Najwa and the musician Mansour reach Beirut. They follow the trail of smugglers to join a woman on the other side of the sea. A few streets away, Selim, the

All gate revenue will be donated to charity in support of post-earthquake recovery for Morocco.

Presented in Collaboration With Oujda Film Festival

Karim, a Palestinian man, and Sirine, a French woman must cross the border separating
Morocco from Algeria, in order to join their band and perform a concert in Oran. Because of the
absurdity of the rules at the national borders, they find themselves trapped on a bridge in the
middle of a No Man’s Land.