CELEBRATING ETHNICITY

This series of seven short video documentaries, filmed and edited by Erik Friedl and produced by Jonathan Friedlander, showcases the public celebrations of Middle Eastern American communities. These festivals, while conforming to the format of American multicultural fests complete with booths, entertainment, and politicians speaking proudly about ethnic pride and American values, also point to the diversity of the Middle Eastern American community and its place in the cultural mosaic of the United States. Four major groups are highlighted, with a documentary on Armenian celebrations forthcoming:

Arab Americans	Iranian Americans
Israeli Americans	Turkish Americans

As markers of ethnic identity these celebrations constitute an important aspect of the life of these Middle Eastern American communities.