RETURN TO RAMALLAH (العودة الى رام الله)
Work-in-progress screening
2022, dir. Ziad Foty
USA, Palestine, 76 min. 
In English and Arabic with English subtitles / Format: Digital 

After 40 years of living in the U.S, Fuad returns to his native Ramallah, Palestine with Nadine, his American-born daughter. He holds on to his memories of Old Palestine through his nostalgic plucks of his beloved Oud; something he passed to his daughter and the rest of his kids. Nadine, in contrast pushes against her father’s nostalgia in coming to grips with her own confused identity as an estranged 2nd generation Palestinian in between worlds. Emotions boil over when the 2014 Israeli incursion of the West Bank kicks into high gear. A story of music, memory, and identity; “Return To Ramallah” tells the story of the plight of Palestinian Americans.

Work-in-progress screening followed by Q+A with Foty, producer and editor Ahmed Mansour, and producer Dina Emam. Limited seats available, with special preference given to students, film industry professionals and CPFF partners.

Preceded by short film MARIAM
2020, dir. Dana Durr
Palestine, 5 min. No dialogue

After losing her precious paradise, Mariam dives into her roots to find knowledge and strength.