Happy new year and thank you for being part of menna, for reading closely, for believing this kind of cultural gathering matters, for sharing, replying, showing up and especially for trusting this space and letting it evolve with you.
Sending so much love
… and as always, our door and inbox is always open
- Samar

FUNDRAISER
Zohran Inauguration Party

Thur Jan 1st at 6pm
Paragon, Bushwick

On New Year's Day, New York City will swear in our new mayor, democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani. Event proceeds go to NYC-DSA as we continue to build a winning socialist movement that can deliver an affordable New York and prove a better world is possible.

PARTY
Zohran Inauguration Party

Thur Jan 1st at 8pm
C’mon Everybody, Clinton Hill

Another party for Zohran here! Shows by Miss Ma'amShe & Roque and sounds by DJ Sean McMahill.

PARTY
Chillville New Year’s Day

Thur Jan 1st, 3-7pm
Saturn Road, Cobble Hill

An afternoon of downtempo favorites and $10 mimosas in the company of SWANA Djs: Sitna Mariam and Yas

CINEMA
Put Your Soul On Your Hand and Walk

Fri Jan 2d, 7:30-10pm
Firehouse: DCTV’s Cinema

An intimate perspective on life under siege in Gaza, conveyed through video calls between director Farsi and 25-year-old Palestinian photojournalist and poet Fatma Hassona. The film captures daily life during the conflict through the eyes and unwaveringly optimistic perspective of Hassona, trapped in an endless cycle of war, famine, and resistance. 100% of proceeds will go to The Sameer Project.

MUSIC
Imal Gnawa

Fri Jan 2d, at 10pm
Barbes, Park Slope

Imal Gnawa’s music is rooted in traditional Morrocan Gnawa music but adds a strong futuristic element. They use traditional instruments - sintir and krakrebs, augmented by electronic elements. 

MUSIC
Ourida

Fri Jan 2d, at 8pm
Barbes, Park Slope

Ourida is a Franco-Algerian songwriter, singer and pianist and a Brooklyn resident. Expect urban songs mixing folk rock, art pop melodies and jazz grooves, and a mix of Algerian, American and french influences.

FUNDRAISER
Solidarity Fest

Sat Jan 3d, 12:30-10pm
JACK, Prospect Heights

A one-day festival across 2 sessions, that brings together artists and cultural workers to connect Palestine with broader social justice struggles. Through panels, workshops, and performances, it centers culture as a tool for collective action and change. The event is also a fundraiser for Palestine relief efforts, with sliding-scale tickets to ensure accessibility.

WORKSHOP
Femme & Form

Fri Jan 3d, 5-7pm
Boyfriend Co-op, Bushwick

an evening of figure drawing, where you’ll be invited to be both muse and artist. You’ll start with a few short 2 minute poses, gradually moving our way to long 15 and 20 minute poses. This is a clothed event so wear something you’d like to be drawn in and props are encouraged.

SOIREE
Al bait Baitkom

Fri Jan 3d at 6pm
Barzakh Cafe, Crown Heights

A welcoming night celebrating Sudani artists as they share comedy, music, poetry, and storytelling

CINEMA
All That’s Left Of You

Mon Jan 5th & 6th
Angelika, Soho

In the moments before a Palestinian teen is confronted by Israeli soldiers at a protest in the West Bank, his mother recounts the series of events that led him to that fateful moment, starting with his grandfather's displacement from Jaffa in 1948. The movie is an epic historical drama chronicling the story of one family over three generations and examining the passage of trauma to each. This movie is Oscars shortlisted and a Q&A to follow both screenings.

COMEDY
Jungle Cat Comedy

Tues Jan 6th at 8pm
Huda, Williamsburg

Venture into the jungle with hosts Abby Govindan and Ibhan Kulkarni as they bring you a stacked lineup of nationally and internationally acclaimed comedians. Amber Singletary, Salma Hindy (SWANA), Ahamed Weinberg (SWANA), Sahib Singh and Katherine Gorham.

CINEMA
The Voice Of Hind Rajab

Through Jan 8th
Film Forum, West Village

The Venice Silver Lion–winning film and an Oscar shortlisted movie, blending real recordings and reenactments to recount the death of Hind Rajab and the rescuers who tried to reach her. Such an important movie!

CINEMA
It Was Just An Accident

Through Jan 8th
Film Forum, West Village

Winner of the 2025 Palme d’Or at Cannes, Jafar Panahi’s first film since his release from imprisonment is a darkly comic revenge thriller. This is truly a fabulous movie, and the story follows Vahid, a mechanic who suspects a customer with a prosthetic leg of being the man who once tortured him in prison. Driven by doubt and rage, Vahid kidnaps him and enlists other survivors to confirm his identity, setting off a tense spiral of escalating consequences

ART EXHIBIT
Niyū Yūrk: Middle Eastern and North African Lives in the City

Through March 8th
NYPL, Bryant Park

I will post this event every month until I make sure everyone of you has seen it! Niyū Yūrk is the brainchild of Hiba Abid, this exhibit traces the history of MENA immigration to New York City from the late 19th century to today, highlighting how the city has shaped MENA communities and their contributions to culture. Featuring newspapers, books, archives, photographs, music, and film, the exhibition reflects on migration, identity, and the need for more inclusive archival practices.

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— Menna curates cultural content and events for informational purposes only. Event details are subject to change—

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