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Belgium

"Happy Holidays" - Scandar Copti

Film|Halaqat

  • Bozar, Brussels

  • OV Arabic-Hebrew, Subtitles: English
  • 4,00-8,00€

"Happy Holidays" - Scandar Copti "Happy Holidays" - Scandar Copti

"Happy Holidays" - Scandar Copti "Happy Holidays" - Scandar Copti

In the framework of Halaqat, which is the Arabic term for ‘multiple links and circles’, we invite the renowned Palestinian filmmaker and visual artist Scandar Copti to Brussels together with Bozar. Echoing the topics adressed by Halaqat - care and gender equality -, his film "Happy Holidays" presents four connected characters revealing the complexities of gender, generation, and culture.

Rami, a Palestinian from Haifa, struggles with his Jewish girlfriend’s sudden change of heart about her planned abortion. His mother, Hanan, faces a financial crisis. Miri confronts her daughter’s depression while trying to sabotage her sister’s pregnancy with Rami. Fifi wrestles with guilt over a secret that threatens her family’s reputation and her growing relationship with Dr. Walid.

Scandar Copti's debut feature, "Ajami", earned a Special Mention at Cannes’ Camera d'Or and was nominated for Best Foreign Film at the 82nd Academy Awards. His video art has been shown worldwide at major venues. Copti helped launch the Doha-Tribeca Film Festival and the Doha Film Institute. "Happy Holidays" premiered in the Orizzonti section at the Venice Film Festival.

More about Halaqat:
Halaqat provides a space for cultural actors from Arab and European countries to artistically reflect on topics of care, exploring them through a gender lens. Care is a concept which is deeply related to gender topics in both regions and tackles the question of gender equity and sensitivity and the power dynamics in an inclusive and intersectional way. Launched in 2021, the project fosters exchange between Europe and Arab countries.

The new iteration of Halaqat (2024-2027) is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Goethe-Institut. It will run for 32 months until spring 2027 with activities in Belgium, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Morocco.

Related links

Partners

  • Funded by the European Union
  • Bozar