The mission of the Arab Film Festival (AFF) is to enhance public understanding of Arab culture and to provide alternative representations of Arabs that contradict the stereotypical images frequently encountered in the American mass media. The Arab Film Festival screens films from and about the Arab World that provide realistic perspectives on Arab people, culture, art, history and politics.

Description:
The purpose of the Festival is to offer a diverse audience access to artistically excellent films that illuminate the lives of Arab people. It screens films from and about the Arab world and provides realistic perspectives on Arab people, culture, art, history and politics. In particular, the Festival's films serve to explore the complex social, political, and personal issues confronting contemporary Arabs. To build inter-cultural understanding that mitigates racial prejudice that results from the prevailing media and political environments, the Festival reaches out to communities that have not traditionally been exposed to Arab life and shows films that explore aspects of Arab life that are not available in other venues.

To meet these goals, the Festival includes both artistic and educational components. Presentations by filmmakers follow screenings and the Festival includes panel discussions about issues of importance to Arabs and Arab-Americans. For the first time in 2005, the Festival at the Schools program was introduced to bring the festival to area high school students at no cost to participating schools.

History:
Started in 1996 as the brainchild of three Arab-American women from the Arab Women Solidarity Association in San Jose, the festival evolved over time to expand its program and reach. In 2008, the Festival celebrates its 12th Anniversary.

Contact person: Sonia El-Feki, Artistic Director, (email)
Main office number: (415) 564-1100
Office fax number: (866) 810-2619

Address:

300 Brannan St, Suite 508 San Francisco, CA 94107 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.aff.org

Directions:

Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Sf Muni N Line/ King St & 2nd St,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5   Nearest Bus Stop: SF Muni Bus# 10/ 2nd St & Brannan St, .5 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	Arabic, French
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	18
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	No
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	No