Human Rights Watch Film Festival: "Draw Me Egypt - Doaa El-Adl, A Stroke of Freedom"

The Human Rights Watch Film Festival is back in NYC cinemas and online across the US from May 31- June 11, with live discussions at every in-cinema event. This year’s edition covers a broad range of themes and topics – but what shines through is the determination and courage of individuals to stand up for their freedom and rights.

The Dart Center is a presenting partner for "Draw Me Egypt - Doaa El-Adl, A Stroke of Freedom." Doaa el-Adl is one the most prominent of the very few female cartoonists in the Arab world. Draw Me Egypt - Doaa El-Adl, A Stroke of Freedom creatively blends documentary, cartoons and animation to bring to life this courageous artist’s thoughts on politics and feminism as she uses her talent to advocate for women’s rights.

As the first woman to win the prestigious Journalistic Distinction in Caricature, Doaa el-Adl is a force for change in the male-dominated world of Egyptian political cartoonists. A rebellious critic of patriarchy, she faces daily critique, censorship, intimidation, and death threats for her art. Egyptian director Nada Riyadh brings el-Adl‘s most famous works to life in a creative and exciting mix of documentary, cartoon, and animation. A vibrant and courageous exposé of violence against women that pushes the boundaries of freedom of expression in an often restrictive society, as el-Adl uses her talent to advocate for the rights of women, and to inspire and change society.

This film is part of the collection Draw for Change created by Vincent Coen & Guillaume Vandenberghe.

In-Person Event: New York: Film at Lincoln Center's Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center; Saturday, June 3, 2-3pm EDT
Discussion to follow with filmmaker Nada Riyadh and Farah Barqawi, Palestinian Writer, Poet, Performer, and a Feminist organizer. 

Digital Film Screening: Monday, June 5-Sunday, June 11 
Available to stream online in the US only.

Purchase tickets here.