Now in its 29th year, the Arab Film Festival is underway across the Bay Area, bringing films and filmmakers from across the Arab world to local audiences.

As Managing Director Maya Labban helped host a South Bay screening this week, she said the festival's message matters now more than ever.

"The whole point of us is to show Americans, non-Americans, how Arabs actually are, and not what's usually portrayed in the media, where we are always the terrorists or the damsels in distress," Labban said.

The festival showcases stories and perspectives that are rarely seen on U.S. screens, highlighting both established and emerging voices from the region.

"I think movies, since forever, they just teach you that. They teach you the humanity. Art is about humanity. They teach you about different c

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