Free Film Screening: Aida Returns
Plus delicious lunch and Q&A with the film’s Director
Join Glimmer of Hope Inc. for a poignant and powerful cinematic experience as we present Aida Returns, a film by Carol Mansour. This moving film explores the story of Aida, a Palestinian woman living with Alzheimer's disease, and her journey back to her homeland of Yafa, Palestine. This event is for anyone who cares about humanity and Palestinian stories.
Event Highlights - note all activities are FREE of charge:
• Palestinian Lunch: Enjoy a delicious spread of traditional Palestinian cuisine.
• Film Screening: Immerse yourself in the touching story of "Aida Returns."
• Q&A with the Director: Gain insights into the making of the film and the issues it raises.
• Fundraiser: Contribute to GOH's mission of preserving and promoting Palestinian culture and heritage.
• Merchandise: Support Glimmer of Hope Inc. by purchasing authentic Palestinian crafts and goods. All proceeds contribute to our mission of preserving and promoting Palestinian heritage.
About the Film:
This film is a poignant, sometimes sad, sometimes painful, sometimes humorous, often absurd story of a multiple journey: the journey of loss as the director’s mother Aida struggled with losing herself to Alzheimer’s disease, but finding solace in her repeated “returning” to the Yafa and Palestine of her youth; the journey of the loss of a parent; and the ultimate return journey back to Yafa where Aida would finally find rest and be herself once more.
Close to four years after Aida’s passing away, the director’s friend and colleague Tanya who lives in Ramallah came to visit Beirut. When she heard about Aida’s wishes and yearning for Yafa, Tanya suggested that she herself carries the ashes back. The film accompanies director Carol Mansour as she engineers a way to return her mother to Yafa in search of eternal rest and peace for her. A return that is aided by an unlikely set of friends and strangers all coming together to facilitate what should have been a simple journey. This journey is at the same time very private and personal, while resonating with hundreds of thousands of Alzheimer’s sufferers and their families as well as hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees awaiting their return home.
This film is a tribute to the lost past of the director’s family, an attempt to restore part of both an individual and a collective memory, a poetic nod and affirmation, and a call to action to all exiled Palestinians to defy the structures forbidding from returning to their homes, even after death.
About GOH:
Founded in 2016, Glimmer of Hope Inc. is a non-profit community association that brings together Australian residents who identify as Palestinians to preserve and promote Palestinian culture and heritage.
Who Should Attend?
This event is for anyone who cares about humanity, Palestinians, and justice. Whether you are interested in Palestinian culture, Alzheimer's awareness, or simply enjoy thought-provoking films, this event is for you.
Don't miss this opportunity to experience a powerful film, engage in meaningful discussion, and support a worthy cause.