Film Screening: Chopin. I am not Afraid of Darkness

In Collaboration with Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Awareness Month and co-sponsored by the Center for Student Involvement, the Music Department, and the Moving Image Arts program.

Film Screening: Chopin. I am not Afraid of Darkness

A documentary that weaves the stories of three outstanding pianists, a Pole—Leszek Możdżer, a Korean—Won Jae-Yeon, and a Syrian immigrant—Fares Basmadji, who, apart from their passion for Chopin’s music, combine the difficult historical experiences of countries, they come from. The characters prepare for special concerts in places where no one would expect to hear live music: at the former German Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz Birkenau, on the border with the dictatorial North Korea, and in the center of Beirut, right after the explosion in the port there. These places, however, need music. Music that soothes, brings dreams back, and triggers an avalanche of emotions – which not only crosses the boundaries between cultures but also helps to heal wounds.  –SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival)

This event is part of Arab American Heritage month events. The Arab American Cultural Center is organizing a series of events to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month during April. The state of Illinois designated April as Arab American Heritage Month (AAHM) in 2018, and the Department of State recognized it nationally in 2021. During April, Arabs and Arab Americans are honored and celebrated for their historical contributions, culture, traditions, history, arts, and overall social presence as a community in the United States.