DOCUTAH Subjects Include Syria and Egypt Revolutions, Islam and Masculinity; Films Widen Perspective on World Events, the Middle East and Islam
#Chicagogirl, Frame by Frame, Nefertiti's Daughters, Manislam and Europe Endless Reveal Costs of War and Indomitable Human Spirit
SAINT GEORGE, Utah, Aug. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Dixie State University and the DOCUTAH™ International Documentary Film Festival announced that groups of films in this year's Festival are ripped directly from the headlines. Many of the films provide unique and personal perspectives on world events in faraway places, which viewers see on the news but truly do not understand. Films in this group cover the revolutions in Syria and Egypt, the aftermath of the long wars in Afghanistan as told through the eyes of those brave enough to speak truth to power or risk their lives to reveal that truth, Islamic men trying to change cultural attitudes towards women or the refugee crises caused by wars and terrorism.
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"We hear so much these days about the Middle East, about terrorism and barbarous acts of inhumanity, about war and, of course, Islam, which is often painted with a broad brush. Although there are many films in DOCUTAH this year which are inspiring as they reveal the strength of the human spirit and the ability of people to overcome incredible odds, these films may give attendees an entirely new perspective on events they hear about in newscasts," said Artistic Director for DOCUTAH, associate professor at Dixie State University and the Director of DSU Films.
"These films provide a stark look into the realities faced by many people in the world and are excellent food for thought regarding how and why we got here," said Shadman Bashir, visiting professor of law and international relations at Dixie State University. "The more we learn about each other, the more chance the people of the world have to avoid conflicts."
#Chicagogirl chronicles how, from her bedroom in Chicago, an American teenage girl uses social media to coordinate the revolution in Syria. Armed with Facebook, Twitter, Skype and camera phones, she helps her social network "on the ground" in Syria brave snipers and shelling in the streets to show the world the human rights atrocities of a dictator.
In Frame by Frame, we see how after decades of war and an oppressive Taliban regime, four Afghan photojournalists face the realities of building a free press. Through cinema verite, intimate interviews, powerful photojournalism, and never-before-seen archival footage shot in secret during the Taliban regime, the film connects audiences with four humans in the pursuit of the truth.
ManIslam reveals men pushing for a more progressive faith. This film examines the burdens of manhood within Islamic cultures. The main characters, bravely and frankly, share deeply personal memories and experiences in their effort to highlight and question the role of men in contemporary Islam.
Nefertiti's Daughters "is the story of women, art and revolution. Told by prominent Egyptian artists, this documentary witnesses the critical role revolutionary street art played in the struggle for social and political change during the Egyptian uprisings and how those same artists are now being repressed once again.
Europe Endless is a documentary about the everyday tragedy of refugees crossing the Mediterranean Sea to get to mainland Europe. As more and more refugees desperately try to reach the shores of Europe, Europe Endless reveals the desperate situation on Malta, the tiny island nation situated right in the path between Africa and Europe.
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DOCUTAH's mission is to inspire a global connection through independent documentary films and intellectual discussions. More…
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