The American Task Force on Palestine was proud to co-sponsor the opening night of the 18th Annual Arabian Sights film festival in Washington, DC. The Oct. 25 event featured a screening of the new Palestinian film Inheritance, starring and directed by legendary actress Hiam Abbass. The film was introduced by Shirin Ghareeb, Director at Arabian Sights Film Festival and Deputy Director at Washington, DC International Film Festival, and ATFP Senior Fellow Hussein Ibish. A trailer for the film can be viewed online here. The screening was followed by a catered reception with a live 'oud performance by Spyros Koliavasilis on the 'oud and Ashraf Dawod on drums.

Inheritance follows a Palestinian family living in the north of Galilee as they prepare for the wedding of the patriarch's eldest granddaughter. But war raging between Lebanon and Israel as well as among the family members cuts short the festivities with air raid sirens and bruised spirits. The conservative patriarch-grandfather is losing control over his family. As his health deteriorates, his five offspring and their adult children strive to uphold tradition, or their versions of it, against a variety of modern day challenges. The young women seek independence, and Hajar, in particular, faces a potentially difficult decision regarding her British boyfriend. The other siblings struggle with debt, infertility, infidelity and identity; secrets are revealed and no one remains unscathed. Veteran actor Hiam Abbass pours volumes of rich personal experience into her directorial debut. She triumphs in weaving together these delicate stories to create an unflinching and courageous portrait of a modern Palestinian family.

For more information on this year's Arabian Sights Festival click here.