U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison will speak on a panel Sunday at the Twin Cities Arab Film Festival, following a screening of the film "The Suffering Grasses," by Iara Lee.
The film looks at the effect the war has had on civilians in Syria. It is one of many films at the festival, which starts Thursday and ends Sunday.
The panel discussion — on the ongoing struggle in Syria and the still-escalating humanitarian crisis — will start after Sunday's 1 p.m. showing of "The Suffering Grasses" at the Heights Theatre, 3951 Central Ave. NE, Columbia Heights.
On the panel with Ellison will be:
- Carol Hakim, professor of history at the University of Minnesota
- Dr. Wael Khouli, a member of Syrian American Medical Society and Syrian Expatriates.
- Imed Labidi, moderator
This is the eighth Mizna Arab Film Festival and features films from Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, and Palestine.