Since 2007, the UK-based Insight Film Festival has celebrated filmmakers throughout the world who make films that challenge, explore, critique, reflect, celebrate or question faith. Insight has welcomed auteurs from all faiths and none. Join us for this special screening of some of most interesting, innovative and provocative films from Insight's back catalog. Abdul-Rehman Malik will lead a discussion reflecting on the films and the way in which faith continues to shape cinematic visions.

Films (in order of exhibition)

Inspire
Dir: Awais Ali & Shehroze Khan
UK | 2016 | 5 min.
A story about how positive action can lead to a lasting change, set in the backdrop of East London.

Akerbeltz
Dir: Cesar Urbina
Spain | 2010 | 10 min.
The gloomy dungeon of the Santo Oficio gaol in Logroño, Spain is packed with prisoners accused of witchcraft. The sound of mystical chanting drifts out through the bars.It is a desperate cry for help that travels through valleys and mountains until it reaches the hamlet of Zugarramurdi. A young boy wakes up suddenly in the middle of the night with the realisation that time is running out for the women that looked after him so lovingly.

On the Path
Dir: Amir Sarrafha
Iran | 2015 | 15 min.
A story of an elderly couple that have lived passionately alongside one another for years. Now the husband is old and frail and death is at the doorstep, but the woman keeps him hopeful by promising he would recover his health.

Looking After Edward
Dir: Alex Horsfall
UK | 2011 | 18 min.
The story of a little girl's attempt to make sense of the death of her grandpa, and the unexpected friendship she finds along the way.

You Shall Not Leave This Way!
Dir: Veronika Szemlova
Czech Republic |  2011 | 8 min.
Thoughtless acceptation of rules doesn't have to tend to the supposed aim.

My Lad
Dir: Sami Khan
UK | 2012 | 13 min.
Abdul has been hiding out in his launderette for days, unable to deal with the world outside. Despite pleas from his brother to face his demons, he is determined to run from the one thing he has to accept--fate.

Joe Nobody
Dir: Ali Rafi
UK | 2011 | 9 min.
A social exploration of Muslim youth in a British school setting.

Admissions
Dir: Harry Kakatsakis
USA | 2011 | 21 min.
A tale about what it takes to find lasting peace, even in war-torn places like the Middle East. Featuring an Israeli couple and a Palestinian man, this modern parable is set in the Admissions Room for the afterlife. Its purpose is to start a conversation that heals.

Ich Bin's, Helmut! (It's Me, Helmut!)
Dir: Nicolas Steiner
Switzerland | 2009 | 11 min.
Helmut celebrates his 60th birthday. He is 57, but his wife has miscalculated. While the facade of petty-bourgeois domesticity begins to crumble, old friends look past and distribute well-intentioned advice - a bizarre declaration of love for transitoriness.

This program is part of the “What is Muslim Culture?” series developed by Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design and Abdul-Rehman Malik.