By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Thanks to the upcoming Arab Cultural Festival to be held at various venues around Seoul, people can enjoy the rich culture of Arabian countries without having to travel abroad.
With a total of seven countries visiting, including Sudan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Oman, the festival is celebrating its second year and has prepared even more interesting events for visitors to enjoy at the National Theater of Korea, Arthouse Momo and the ECC Student Theater at Ewha Womans University.
``There are basically two outcomes we are looking forward to this year. First, we hope visitors will have the chance to understand and come closer to the Arabian culture with the festival. We would also like to explain our efforts to our Arabian friends and further build stronger ties,'' said Kang Keun-hyung, the director of the Korea-Arab Society, at a press conference last week in central Seoul.
The performance section held at the National Theater of Korea will offer various events prepared by the participating countries. Sudan, the UAE and Qatar will greet fans with traditional music and dance, while the Group Gnaoua Assafa from Morocco will join Korea's Beat Project YeSanJok and offer a special collaboration work, complete with traditional instruments and movements.
For art lovers, the festival committee has also prepared a calligraphy exhibition at the ECC Student Theater at Ewha Womans University from May 18-20, when people can enjoy works by artists from Oman and Saudi Arabia
For those who want a more up-close and personal experience, visit the Hands-on Experience section, which will be held at the National Theater of Korea Cultural Plaza from May 18 to 20.
``May is known as the month of the family, so we have prepared interesting outdoor activities friends and families can enjoy. Come out and learn to make Arabian dishes and also try out Henna,'' Kang added.
Henna art is made by applying the dye from henna plant leaves to the skin, which stains a reddish-brown color. It is used to adorn Arab women during special occasions like at weddings and was believed to represent positive energy and fertility. Henna artists from Sudan and Tunisia will demonstrate the special art form to guests and also hold an exhibition of henna art works.
Also experience the distinctive tastes and aroma of Arabian dishes, such as hummus, falafel and brik, at the Arabic Food Stand prepared by people from Tunisia, Oman, Sudan and Lebanon.
Another not-to-miss event is the Arabian film screenings, which will be held at the Arthouse Momo.
Seven full-length films from Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, Algeria, Iraq, Palestine and Morocco will grant fans a unique cinematic experience.
Among the colorful films available, ``The Secret of the Grain'' (2007) from Tunisia will show a family struggling as immigrants and the journey they embark upon together to survive the discrimination and difficulties. Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche, the film won the special jury prize at the Venice International Film Festival in 2007 and also won the best director award at the Cesar Award in 2008.
``The Korea Arab society expects the (festival) to develop as an annual event that continuously promotes the growth in fellowship and firm reliance shared between Korea and the Arab region,'' Kang added.
The Arab Culture Festival will be held from May 18 to 20 at the National Theater of Korea, Arthouse Momo and the ECC Student Theater at Ewha Womans University. All of the performances and exhibitions are free. For more information, visit www.arabfest.org or call (02) 3216-1185.