Interesting documentary about how Arabs are depicted in films…

This past Friday, I had the wonderful opportunity to check out a screening of Dr. Jack Shaheen’s “Reel Bad Arabs: How Hollywood Vilifies a People” at my alma mater NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.

It was a real eye opener! Dr. Shaheen gladly answered questions following it and stressed how important it is for the next generation of Arab-Americans to help make a difference in how Arabs are portrayed in the movies. (Hey, why not produce an upbeat and humorous film like “My Big Fat Middle Eastern Wedding,” as Dr. Shaheen proposed?) Well, one positive way we’ve been doing this is through initiatives like the New York Arab American Comedy Festival, which I’ve had the pleasure of performing in and is now in its sixth year, and the first annual Middle Eastern Comedy Festival, which just wrapped up out in L.A. and has received some good press coverage.

Fortunately, there are more encouraging initiatives and projects coming down the pike, and if you have any suggestions for or would like to be a part of them, do let me know (info@joyceartinian.com) and let’s help continue making a positive difference!  

Tabouli wishes and fattouche dreams,

Joyce

(Photo courtesy of http://www.reelbadarabs.com/)