Celebrate the supermoon at the Al Qamar Film Festival in Edison Filmhub

As a rare blue supermoon graces the skies, film fans will have a unique opportunity to celebrate under the celestial event at the Al Qamar Film Festival at Edison Filmhub. Scheduled from Thursday, August 31st, to Sunday, September 3rd, the festival will include not only movies but also special Moonlight Markets with traditional crafts and cuisine.

Named after the Arabic word for moon, the festival promises a captivating blend of classic and contemporary films, authentic Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, cultural markets, and engaging discussions with special guests.

Embracing the Middle Eastern and North African cultures, the inaugural Al Qamar Film Festival aims to illuminate the richness of these regions through cinema.

"Through the power of cinema, we aim to shed light (and moonlight) on the rich cultural heritage of these regions, challenging stereotypes and telling authentic stories," says festival director Ryan Keating.

"We invite everyone to join us in this celebration, under what I hope will be a spectacular and celestial event!"

The opening night on August 31st will feature the captivating Algerian drama Houria. The film follows a talented dancer aspiring to join the Algerian National Ballet. As challenges arise, she faces complications after winning a significant sum of money.

The festival will also host discussions with special guests, including Belgian filmmakers from Moroccan descent Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, who will present their latest film Rebel, which focuses on identity struggles and radicalization.

Alongside film screenings, a rich cultural program is set to captivate attendees with Moonlight Markets offering traditional crafts, mouth-watering Middle Eastern cuisine, and afterparties with Arab beats. live musical accompaniment to the classic silent film The Thief of Bagdad,

"To host Al Qamar in a cultural hub like Edison is an honor," says Keating. "Not only is it a superb space for cinema, but the cafe is also fantastic - grab some traditional hummus and pita and watch a film in the cinema, or browse the markets in the summer night air."

The Al Qamar Film Festival offers a diverse film lineup representing countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Morocco, Palestine, and Syria, promising an immersive experience celebrating the cultures and stories from the Middle East and North Africa. For further details and the complete film schedule, visit the festival's website.