Making their Mark: Middle East film-makers

Ahead of the increasing interest in Arab film-makers and the Abu Dhabi Film Festival starting the Middle East film festival season off this week, triplew.me looks at the films that have been highlights of Middle Eastern Cinema in foreign film festivals in modern times. Rasha Omer highlights some of her stand-out films.

It truly is an exciting time for Arabic cinema and Arab filmmakers – with recognition flooding in from every corner, multiple successful regional festivals and an array of impressive talent in fields of directing, acting and writing. From Mahmoud Kabbour's Teta, Alf Marra (Grandma, A Thousand Times) attracting all the right attention at the Doha-Tribeca Film Festival, to the program that the Abu Dhabi Film Festival has developed. It's exciting, fresh and above all, genuine.

We take a look at some of the most iconic recent, and not so recent, Arabic films which have competed or were shown at festivals around the world; and we reflect upon what made them so memorable.

It should be noted that some of these films are collaborations between multiple countries, and might not be produced entirely by Arab filmmakers – but they are all portrayals of various facets relating to the Arab identity and story.

West Beyrouth (1998)

In this film we follow the lives of three teenagers as their world changes by the break of the Lebanese civil war in 1975 – Director and writer Ziad Doueiri deals with a variety of subjects from religion and family to the adventures of adolescence. It’s a compelling film with its fleeting tragedy and bitter undertones which luckily never overshadow its youthful tenderness.

No trailer available.

Paradise Now (2005)

One of the most successful Arabic films of recent times, having won a Golden Globe for best foreign language film (nominated for an Oscar). Hany Abu Assad (Palestinian director and co-writer) tells the story of two friends who are being recruited for a suicide bombing operation. Paradise Now takes the viewer on an elaborate journey of self-discovery in the most desperate circumstances.

Amreeka (2009)

Cherine Dabis feature film directorial debut was screened at Sundance Festival, and achieved a respectable amount of recognition. It tells the tale of a Palestinian single mom’s struggle to start a new life for her son and herself in the United States. The film is lighthearted and funny yet it packs enough emotional punch to be considered moving, thanks to the brilliant portrayal of Mona by actress Nisreen Faour.

Silences of the Palace (1994)

Known for being the first feature film by a woman director in the Arab world – Silences of the Palace is Moufida Tlatli’s (Tunisian director and writer) masterpiece, it was widely acclaimed and deservedly so. A story which follows Alia, on her journey into a mysterious past – music, love and political undertones intertwine to create an environment like no other.

No Trailer Available.

Divine Intervention (2002)

In this Cannes Jury Prize winning, Elia Suleiman (Palestinian filmmaker) comprises a story revolving around the Israeli occupation through comical interactions in a series of sketches. Its minimal tragedy is balanced out by a whimsical sense of humor – Divine Intervention offers a different aspect on a usually heavy story.

Captain Abu Raed (2008)

The first ever Jordanian film to be submitted to the Academy Awards, tells the tale of hope in fantasy and a wild imagination – it’s a bittersweet movie which works despite the rather dark reality creating a beautiful escape in the contrast. Directed and written by Amin Matlaqa.

Ali Zaoua: Prince de la Rue (2000)

A film about a group of street children in Casablanca, and their quest to honor their deceased friend. An adventure both heartbreaking and poignant, as well as an honest portrayal of the harsh reality faced by these homeless children (some of the actors were actual street children). Directed and co-written by Nabil Ayouch

Caramel (2007)

An ensemble film which marks the first feature film by Lebanese director Nadine Labaki – Caramel tells the story of a group of women working at a beauty shop and goes beyond the surface the showcase the multiple layered characters in their daily life while tackling universal societal issues. The film is beautifully made and shot – and this story of friendship is simply yet eloquently told.

Have any of your own suggestions? Comment below.