On Saturday, April 24th at 5 pm, there will be a virtual screening of Facing Mecca, a 27-minute short drama about Fareed and the burial of his wife. After the screening, actor Jay Abdo who stars as Fareed shares insight about the role, storyline, and film.

For more detailed information, please see below.

Facing Mecca Film Screening and Q & A

Facing Mecca is a short (27-minute) drama written by Jan-Eric Mack that stars Peter Freiburghaus, Jay Abdo, and Ruth Schwegler. (Switzerland, Swiss German, English and Arabic with English subtitles)

Film Synopsis: “The hospital calls Fareed; his wife's situation is critical; the cancer has reached its terminal stage. Pensioner Roli comes to his help and takes him to see his wife who passes away shortly after. Her funeral falls under the jurisdiction of Amrikon council. Fareed wants to see his wife buried in accordance with Muslim rites. Roli is keen to help Fareed and his daughters but problems quickly arise: the graves in the local cemetery have not been aligned to face Mecca; the council is unable to carry out the burial within 24 hours after death. Councilor Thomas Künzli assures everyone that they’ll organise things for the following week. Unimpressed by the council's tactical heel-dragging, Roli offers a more creative idea: a family plot would allow for the body to be buried diagonally - facing Mecca. But even family graves are exhumed after 25 years and allocated anew. For Muslims this disturbance of peace is an absolute taboo.” - Written by Dschoint Ventschr Filmproduktion (Production company)

Q & A when Jay Abdo answers questions about the premise, film, role, and process.

Where: Zoom (Register here)

When: Saturday, April 24 at 5 p.m.

This event is made possible by Jay Abdo, Jan-Eric Mack, Ouat Media

Hosted by Professor Tula Goenka

Moderated by Nada Odeh

Presented by ArtHouse Alliance

Co-Sponsored by Syracuse University Human Rights Film Festival