Events

Event details

WHEN: Sept 24–28, 2025
WHERE: The Main Cinema + Walker Art Center

Join us for the Arab Film Festival 2025 Workshop!

This two-day intensive class with acclaimed author Randa Jarrar offers SWANA artists a comprehensive, hands-on journey through the entire short film creation process. Participants will get a crash course in filmmaking, learning the basic steps from initial concept to finished film. Participants will learn to craft compelling vignettes, draft short screenplays (2–8 pages), and create shot lists, while also gaining insight into the practical elements of filmmaking, like casting, crew assembly, location scouting, shooting, editing, and scoring. Through guided exercises and direct mentorship, students will develop concrete plans for their own short films while gaining the technical and creative skills needed to bring their stories to life. This workshop eliminates the traditional barriers of lengthy assignments and critique sessions, and instead focuses on practical application and the specific storytelling perspectives that SWANA artists bring to film.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be at least 18 years old at the time of the event (accommodations can be made with parental or legal guardian’s approval).

WHEN: Thursday 9/25 12–3PM + Friday 9/26 12–3PM

PRICE: $30–100 sliding scale

REGISTER NOW

Randa Jarrar is the author of the memoir Love Is An Ex-Country, the novel A Map of Home, and the collection of stories Him, Me, Muhammad Ali. She is a filmmaker and actor who has appeared in independent films and on the A24 TV shows Ramy and #1 Happy Family USA. She is a recipient of a Creative Capital Award, an American Book Award, and others. She lives in Los Angeles