This film from Yallaa presents an event at the Crescent Arts Centre that celebrates the first Arabic Arts and Culture Festival. Attendees were welcomed into the auditorium after passing through a doorway with the famous biblical phrase “Noli Timere”, or “Do not be afraid”, recreated in neon lighting. The audience could experience beautiful traditional music and dance, or attend one of the many workshops and cultural events held at 2 Royal Avenue in Belfast City Centre. The Dabke group present in the film is the Hawiyya Dabke Dance Company - an all-female Palestinian dance group. Their name comes from the Arabic word meaning identity. The group is also involved in social activism and advocates for the rights of Palestinians in the United Kingdom. The Buzuq player is Samer and the Storyteller is named Nandi Jola, a South African poet and author.
Yallaa, meaning "let’s go" in Arabic, is an award-winning organisation based in Northern Ireland. Through workshops, events and community initiatives, it fosters connections and celebrates Arab culture, making its café at 2 Royal Avenue a cornerstone of cultural celebration in Belfast.