FILM PREMIERE, PANEL DISCUSSION, AND Q&A

From the trail-blazing dancer-producers behind Miami’s most unique cultural exchange program and the award-winning documentary “Havana Habibi” comes the new documentary film “Ya Habibi, The Story of a Song.” A relevant and timely documentary short film exploring the hidden links and shared histories of Cuban and Middle Eastern identity and culture through the peculiar story of “Ya Habibi Ta‘ala,” a classic Syrian love ballad with some surprising and unexpected origins.

Made famous by Asmahan, the legendary Arabic singer and actress, “Ya Habibi Ta‘ala” — which translates to Come My Darling — turns out to be an unacknowledged adaptation of an obscure Cuban song, borrowed, transported, and in the process transformed, from its Cuban origins to the Middle Eastern classic it became. The song serves as a perfect metaphor of the permeability of culture and identity and the often invisible processes that blur the borders and differences that would otherwise distinguish us, implicating us instead in each other’s histories, even against historical odds. It’s a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience for a world increasingly fractured by distancing and divisions.

Join us immediately following the premiere, for a live Panel Discussion and Q&A with “Ya Habibi” director Gina Margillo and co-producers Vivian Marthell and Tiffany Madera, as well as  Michael Ibrahim, director of the world-renowned National Arab Orchestra.

Presented by Hanan Arts and Live Arts Miami in collaboration with O Cinema, FilmGate Miami and National Arab Orchestra.

Enjoy this FREE online world premiere screening of the documentary film as part of the 2020 Havana Habibi Festival Online, four days of activities including film, music, and traditional Egyptian Raks Baladi (aka Bellydance) to foster healing and cross-cultural connection.