Never the Right Time: Experimental Media from the
Arab World
It is never the right time for Arab experimental media.
This title reflects the constant state of political
and economic crisis - compounded by Western scrutiny
- in the Arab world. Events are postponed, artists are
enjoined to self-censor, and “merely personal”
issues are put aside until such time as they are again
deemed to be relevant. Despite this atmosphere of indefinite
postponement, Arab independent media are flowering.
This program of short works, and the complementary presentation
of Nightfall by Mohamed Soueid reflect the vibrant independent
and experimental media scene in the Arab world, centering
on Beirut. A similar movement is nascent in Cairo and
other Arab cities, and Palestinian artists persevere
in creating powerful work despite the cruel occupation.
Intimate, droll, fierce, coolly conceptual, ready to
break your heart when you least expect it - the Arab
world is producing one of the most important movements
in independent video today. - Laura U. Marks
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