Lion of the Desert is the action/drama epic of the struggle of Omar Mukhtar, leader of the Muslim resistance in North Africa in the 1920s and 30s, against the imperialism of Mussolini and the Italian army. Despite the challenge of overcoming the fascist Italian war machine with only faith and wisdom, the Muslims led by Mukhtar maintained their resistance and refused to be conquered.

The year is 1929 and dictator Benito Mussolini (Rod Steiger) is still faced with the 20-year long war waged by Bedouin patriots to combat Italian colonization in Africa. Mussolini appoints General Rodolfo Graziani (Oliver Reed) governor of Libya, confident that he can crush the rebellion and restore the glories of Imperial Rome.

Inspirational in the Bedouin resistance toward the oppressors is the leadership of one man -- Omar Mukhtar (Anthony Quinn). A teacher by profession, guerilla by obligation, Mukhtar has commited himself to a war that cannot be won in his lifetime.

This event is co-sponsored by the MIT Graduate Student Council. It is open to the MIT community and other Boston-area university groups who have been invited by the MIT Muslim Students' Association. You may contact us at msa-ec@mit.edu.