Event

Screening of Tea on the Axis of Evil (Jean Marie Offenbacher, 2009)

followed by Q&A with Director Jean Marie Offenbacher

Tea on the Axis of Evil

is a portrait of Syria that encourages enlightened thinking and expectations of peace through diplomacy in the Middle East. With its key position in the vibrant crossroads of the Levant, Syria has long been one of the region's political powerbrokers, able to negotiate with all of the important players, including Iran. Recognizing this, President Obama and his administration are reaching out to the country's rulers. The current period represents an opportunity for progress through diplomacy. By demystifying Syria, the film seeks to persuade viewers to believe in and support this progress. Composed of intimate interviews and scenes shot over several years throughout Syria, “Tea” conveys the reality of life in this small but politically critical country by visiting a wide range of Syrians in their homes, churches, bazaars, and clubs. Rather than facing the grim clichés so often portrayed in Western media, viewers learn that Syria is an exciting, intellectual, and sensual world, one on the verge of momentous changes.

This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Middle East Center, the Jewish Studies Program, the Cinema Studies Program and the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at the University of Pennsylvania.