Film screenings and literature event Halaqat:"Echoes of Equality"

Halaqat © Design Engy Aly

Wed, 22.01.2025 -
Tue, 28.01.2025

Bozar

Phase II - Opening event in Brussels

Halaqat, the project fostering exchange between Europe and the Arab region, enters a new phase in January. With a film series by Arab filmmakers and an evening with Prix Goncourt winner Leïla Slimani organised at and with Bozar, this new round provides a space for cultural actors in Arab countries and Europe to artistically reflect on topics of care.  

From 22 to 28 January 2025, Bozar will open its doors for a new round of Halaqat activities. The series Echoes of Equality will explore gender relations in Arab countries and communities in Europe and their representation in contemporary Arab cinema and literature. Taking place in Bozar’s new cinema hall The 23, the film series is part of the programme Our Burning World , which highlights films and discussions that explore crucial contemporary societal issues, particularly in the fields of politics, ecology, and society. In the presence of filmmakers Leïla Albayati and Myriam El Haj, the programme will examine the transmission of values, obligations, and heritage, revealing a range of realities from the Maghreb to Iraq, via Egypt and Palestine.

On 28 January, French-Moroccan author and Prix Goncourt winner Leïla Slimani will present her new novel J’emporterai le feu, the concluding part of her trilogy Le Pays des Autres. Set in the 1980s, the book revolves around the memories of Mia, a young novelist living in Paris, as she reflects on her family’s history. The intergenerational story spans her family’s journey from Morocco’s decolonization to the 1980s, exploring themes of freedom exile, and the struggle between tradition and identity. In conversation with journalist Safia Kessas, Slimani will discuss her work and the complex relationships between women, family and society.  

FULL PROGRAMME:
Films:
Literature:
  • 28 January, 8:00 pm: Meet the Writer: Leïla Slimani
Halaqat, launched in 2021, fosters cultural exchange between Europe and the Arab region. Initially co-financed by the European Union (under the designation: EU-LAS CULTURE), Goethe-Institut, and Bozar, it was implemented by the Goethe-Institut in collaboration with Bozar until 2023, continuing with its own funds thereafter. The new iteration of Halaqat - Halaqat (2024-2027) - is financed by the European Union (DG Near) and starts on 1 September 2024 for a total duration of 32 months, until Spring 2027, in five countries: Belgium, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco.
 

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