During the past five years, Al-Kasaba Theatre and Cinematheque was able to create and strengthen the habit of participating in cultural cinematic events. Al-Kasaba organized several film weeks and festivals that aimed to introduce the Palestinian audience to global cultures and create cultural communication. In 2005, 130 films were screened, 170 shows were put on and 57,083 spectators attended the events. In addition to the daily film screenings, Al-Kasaba also organized several film weeks of which were the Israeli Image in Palestinian Cinema Film Week, the Italian Film Week, the Flemish Film Week, the French Community of Belgium Film Week, and the Franco-Arab Film Week.

Between 9-20 March 2006, Al-Kasaba will hold the Women Pioneers Film Festival, with screenings scheduled in Ramallah, Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Gaza and at villages and camps in the Jenin, Hebron, Qalqilia and Ramallah areas. The Festival consists of a series of documentaries that highlight Arab female figures that were considered as avant-garde in their society. The films trace their life history and their works. The pioneering women portrayed have enriched contemporary Arab heritage with their artistic and/or literary talent, their political, social or feminist commitment, regardless of their country of origin or their social or religious affiliation. The Festival, held in collaboration with various local and international organizations concerned with women’s issues, aims to shed light on the different life experiences of these women.
The films to be screened are:

The Legend of Rose Al-Youssef by Mohamed Kamel El-Kalioubi, which talks about the journalist Rose Al-Youssef who occupied a distinguished position in the history of art, culture, politics, and the press in Egypt.

Women who Loved Cinema by Marianne Khoury. The film deals with six strong-willed women whose adventurous streak changed the face of the film industry in early twentieth century Egypt.

Woman is Courage by Amine Rachedi. An autobiographic narrative of Louisa Ighilahriz, a militant and prominent figure in the Algerian independence movement.

Lady of the Palace by Samir Habachi. The film deals with Nazira Jumblat who presided in palaces and social events and occupied a leading position in a male-dominated, conservative and closed religious society.

Rai Story by Madeleine Verschaffelt and Ahmed Rachedi. The film reflects the story of Rai through the life of Rimitti herself.

When a Woman Sings by Mustapha Hasnaoui. The film attempts to examine the issues of women and modernization, women and their body, women and power.

Women Beyond Borders by Jean Chamoun. The film deals with two generations of pioneering Palestinian women.

The Shikhates by Ali Essafi. The film talks about the sheikhates, folk singers in Morocco, both the most beloved and most marginalized of women for one reason: their freedom.

Women’s Chitchat by Hala Galal. A journey that reveals a contradictory phenomena, one which leads us to delve into the deliberations of the feminist movement.

Me Fama by Dalila Ennadre. The film reflects the life of Me Fama who decided to devote her life to the fight for a free and democratic Morocco.

Seekers of Oblivion by Raja Amari. The film reflects the character of Isabelle Eberhardt that defies all classifications.