Hofstra Cultural Center
Department of English and the Department of Religion Jewish Studies Program present
Film Screening and Discussion: LYD in Exile with Sarah Friedland and Rami Younis
This feature-length sci-fi documentary explores multiple pasts, presents, and futures of the ancient city of Lyd, which became part of Israel after its foundation in 1948. Filmmakers Younis and Friedland, a Palestinian from Lyd and a Jew from the US, reflect on painful histories in conflict and dare to ask: what could Lyd have become if its history hadn't been shaped by state violence? Before 1948, Lyd was a thriving Palestinian city with rich history; today it suffers from economic divestment, structural racism, and pressures toward ethnic homogeneity. Looking at the past with hope, the filmmakers imagine collaboration across imposed divides. Seeking justice for past atrocities and their legacies, Younis and Friedland envision a creative "what if"— a democratic future beyond militarism, racism, and occupation."
SARAH EMA FRIEDLAND (Director/Cinematographer), is a NYC-based media artist and educator. Her work has been widely screened at institutions including Cannes Film Festival, Lincoln Center, and PBS
She was named one of the “Top10 Independent Filmmakers to Watch” by Independent Magazine
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 11:20 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Leo A. Guthart Cultural Center Theater
Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library, South Campus
RAMI YOUNIS (Director/ Producer), is a Palestinian filmmaker, writer, journalist and activist from Lyd. He co-founded “local call,” a journalistic project designed to challenge Israeli mainstream journalism and is host of the Arabic-language daily news show, On the Other Hand Rami has served as a parliamentary consultant and media spokesperson for Palestinian member of Knesset (Israeli parliament) Haneen Zoabi.
For more information, please call the Hofstra Cultural Center at 516-463-5669 or visit hofstra.edu/culture.