Coexistence, My Ass!, an award-winning documentary film based on the provocative one-woman show of Israeli peace activist and comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi, will be screened Sunday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m., at the Strand Theatre. The film’s director, Lebanese-Canadian filmmaker Amber Fares, will join for a post-screening discussion and Shuster Eliassi will participate via Zoom. 

The film, co-presented by Points North, the Camden Conference, and the Strand, follows Shuster Eliassi as she challenges audiences with uncomfortable truths about coexistence, occupation, and the prospects for peace in the Middle East. Shot between 2019 and 2024, the documentary weaves together footage from Shuster Eliassi’s stand-up performances, personal video diaries, and news clips, capturing her evolution from UN diplomat to comedian and her shifting perspective as regional violence escalated.  

Coexistence, My Ass! premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Freedom of Expression. The film has since earned numerous accolades including the Human Rights in Motion Award from the Council of Europe and the Golden Alexander Award for Best Documentary at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. The film opened at New York’s IFC Center in October 2025 and has been featured at prestigious festivals including Full Frame and DOC NYC. For more about the film visit https://www.coexistencemyass.com/ 

According to the Strand, in a news release, this special presentation of Coexistence, My Ass! connects to the upcoming 39th Annual Camden Conference, Today’s Middle East: Power, Politics & Players, to be held February 20-22, 2026. The Camden Conference will be live in Camden, Maine, with satellite venues in Rockland and Falmouth, and available to livestream worldwide. The Camden Conference is Maine’s premier foreign affairs conference, providing a non-partisan community forum fostering in-depth discussion of world issues through year-round events, student education programs, and its annual February conference. 

Co-sponsor Points North is the launching pad for the next generation of nonfiction storytellers, according to the news release. Points North programs include the annual Camden International Film Festival (CIFF) and Points North Forum, as well as a growing suite of artist development initiatives: retreats, residencies, workshops and fellowships that nurture the careers of diverse nonfiction storytellers and help them develop a stronger artistic voice. CIFF’s 22nd edition takes place September 17-20, 2026 at venues throughout Camden, Rockport, and Rockland, Maine. 

The historic Strand Theatre offers the best of current first-run and independent films, live musical concerts and comedy, simulcasts, educational programs, conferences, and other special events on their stage and screen. 

Tickets are $8/General Admission Matinee, and $7/Strand Members. To buy advance tickets, or for more information, visit www.rocklandstrand.com. Tel: (207) 594-0070. 

The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main St., Rockland.