Film Premiere: USA vs Al-Arian

Attend the New York Premiere of the film USA vs Al-Arian

Sami Al-Arian -- a passionate, outspoken pro-Palestinian activist and university professor -- was charged in 2003 with funding and supporting a Palestinian terrorist group and held in prison awaiting a trial for two-and-a-half years. USA vs Al-Arian is an intimate family portrait that documents the strain brought on by Al-Arian's trial, a battle waged both in court and in the media. A tight-knit family unravels before our eyes as trial preparations, strategy and spin consume their lives. This is a nightmare come to life, as a man is prosecuted for his beliefs rather than his actions. Director Line Halvorsen presents democracy in a new light in a post-9/11 culture of fear, when "security measures" trump free speech and punishment is meted out in the name of protection.

(New York Premiere)
Directed by Line Halvorsen
Norway, 2007, 98 min., Documentary
In Arabic with English subtitles

Presented as part of the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival.

At the Walter Reade Theater at Lincoln Center.
Also showing on Tuesday, June 24 at 6:15 p.m. and Wednesday, June 25 at 3:30 p.m.

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