DUBAI: The Arab Film Festival, now in its 28th year, is taking place in San Francisco — and managing director Maya Labban says it aims to “challenge stereotypes and promote dialogue.” For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @arabnews.lifestyle Set to run until Nov. 3, it opened with a poignant documentary by Palestinian filmmaker Mohamed Jabaly called “Life is Beautiful: A Letter to Gaza.” The film tells the heart wrenching tale of Jabaly’s unexpected exile in Norway after Gaza’s borders were closed abruptly in 2014. Finding himself far from home, stranded and stateless, it charts Jabaly’s journey of emotional and physical separation from his family. It portrays both the warmth and hope found in new friendships in Norway and the despair, sadness and grief he feels toward his displacement and the violence in his homeland. It was the first time the festival opened with a documentary. Labban told Arab News: “The Arab Film Festival is not only a celebration of cinema but also an essential cultural event that fosters understanding, challenges stereotypes, and promotes dialogue. “In the current political climate, where representation matters more than ever, AFF provides a platform to amplify the voices of Arab American filmmakers and creatives. Because of the shared rage of inhumanity, we are actually starting to have great conversations with people in the movie industry.” Established in 1996, the festival celebrates the best in contemporary Arab cinema and is the largest and oldest independent festival of Arab films outside the Arab world. Its mission is to provide authentic narratives that illuminate the complexity and richness of Arab culture. With screenings in the Bay area of California and online, AFF seeks to establish an important platform for filmmakers from the Arab world and beyond within the US. This year, the program features more than 40 films from 26 countries, 16 of which are directed by women. It also includes filmmaker mixers, classic films, industry and community panels, talks and workshops. Select events will be streamed online. Other highlights include “From Ground Zero,” Palestine’s submission to the 97th Academy Awards which is a collection of 22 short films made in Gaza. Initiated by Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi, the project was born to give a voice to Gazan filmmakers and tell the untold stories of the current war. Also in the program is “Arze,” directed by Mira Shaib from Lebanon. It tells of a struggling single mother in Beirut who supports her agoraphobic sister and teenage son, Kinan, by selling homemade pies. Meanwhile, “We Never Left,” directed by Loulwa Khoury, is a heart-wrenching depiction of life between Beirut and New York, capturing the tortured story of displaced Lebanese and a fervent ongoing love for their country. “We are not just about entertainment, when we tell authentic Arab stories, we are reshaping perceptions and potentially the policies that are built on these perceptions,” said Labban. “The more we diversify the narratives around Arabs, the more we can influence the broader cultural and political landscape to be more inclusive and just.”