Detroit Unleaded (USA/Lebanon, 2007, 20 min, 16mm)

By: Rola Nashef

Screens: Sunday, October 19, 4pm

Synopsis:

Sami, a young Arab-American, believes that his family’s gas station will give him a chance to see his girl Naj, away from the pressures of their family and friends, while his cousin Mike is sure the station holds the key to an empire built on rolling papers and fake perfumes. As the first night shift wears out, Sami finds that this place is more than just a pit stop for late-night gas, but a place where the uniqueness of this Detroit neighborhood becomes most visible.

Director’s Bio:

Rola Nashef was born in South Lebanon and raised in Michigan. She has been an active filmmaker and producer in the Detroit area focusing primarily on the Arab American community. Nashef began her filmmaking career with 8:30, which screened at the Arab Screen Independent Film Festival in Doha, Qatar. She is also co-founder and director of MENA, The Middle Eastern and North African Film Festival in Dearborn.

Post-screening Discussion: Director Rola Nashef will be present for a post-screening discussion.