Boom Arts presents Southwest Asian and North African Festival @ Portland Center Stage – Ellen Bye Studio | Film, Theatre, Comedy, Makers Market

From our sponsors:
Boom Arts presents Southwest Asian and North African Festival
March 31 – April 4, 2026
Full Schedule & Tickets: boomarts.org

Ellen Bye Studio
128 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

Boom Arts is excited to announce our second inaugural SWANA (South West Asian and North African) Festival. Kickstart your celebrations for Arab American Heritage Month with a whole week of incredible SWANA Artists and events.

Running March 31st to April 4th, check out our incredible line-up:

Screening of the documentary: Palestine Comedy Club
March 31, 2026
7p-8:30pm | $20-50 | All Ages
Purchase Tickets: boomarts.org

When six Palestinian comedians hit the road to tour a stand-up show across Palestine. Their search for humor amidst the injustice of everyday Palestinian life becomes a plea for humanity in the face of brutal war.

HOT TEA! SWANA Comedy Night Edition
April 1, 2026
7pm | $20-50 | All Ages
Purchase Tickets: app.arts-people.com/?show=317706

Local SWANA comedians take to the stage, hosted by the one and only, the Portland famous: Esau World with a musical performance by Chera Chera.

The Horse of Jenin (Screenings )
April 2-4, 2026 @ 7pm
April 4, 2026 @ 2pm
$20-50 | All Ages
Purchase Tickets: app.arts-people.com

Palestinian actor and comedian, Alaa Shehada’s incredible show that combines storytelling, mask, and stand-up comedy. Built from the debris of a major invasion, the Horse of Jenin sculpture stood proudly in the center of the city for twenty years, symbolizing hope and resistance.

Then, on October 29, 2023, an Israeli bulldozer entered the city, ripping the sculpture from its place — and from its people. Now, Alaa is left wondering… What happened to the horse?
Constructed from the fragments of Palestinian actor and comedian Alaa Shehada’s own memories, The Horse of Jenin is an ode to the power of imagination and the resilience it brings.

LIVE Q&A with Alaa Shehada following the 2PM screening.

SWANA Makers Market (more info)
April 4, 2026
1-7pm | FREE | All Ages

Get to know your local SWANA artists! There will be visual arts, embroidery, treats, poetry, and more.