Matinee

Series/Themes: Middle Eastern & South Asian Sidebar

Genre: Documentaries, International

Accessibility: Subtitles

Film Year: 2019

Locations: Jordan, Italy, Spain, Greece, United Arab Emirates

Film Length: 85 min.

Languages: English, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Arabic

Subtitles: Subtitled

Director: Alia Yunis

In this “6,000-year-old love story,” director Alia Yunis explores the complicated relationship between the people of the Mediterranean and their olive trees. Her search leads her on a riveting journey around her home, encountering an ensemble of characters who share the stories and symbolism imbued in every bottle of olive oil. These ancient trees have seen the rise and fall of civilizations, stalwarts against the decay of time; Yunis sets out to discover the secrets that lie behind these magnificent specimens. A delightful insight into what can make the mundane magical, Yunis’ award-winning documentary is a gold-tinged masterpiece. Discussion with Tessa Farmer (UVA), moderated by Nizar Hermes (UVA)

This film is part of the Middle Eastern and South Asian Film series supported by the UVA Institute of the Humanities and Global Cultures and the UVA Department of Middle Eastern & South Asian Languages & Cultures