Film Review: Teta, Alf Marra

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UAE-based film-maker Mahmoud Kaabour, returns to the big screen with a larger-than-life cinematic feat of tender and charming characters in his latest documentary, Teta Alf Marra. Read below for triplew.me’s review…

Documentary films provide an insight into the regular and irregular workings of our humanity. From mundane, everyday stories to fascinating accounts of personal triumph (or loss and tragedy) they're often able to make a connection with the audience like no other.

These stories may also vary in context; but they tend to be able to connect the screen and the seats in a personal and touching way. And so is the case with Teta, Alf Marra (Grandma, A Thousand Times), Kaabour’s ode to the matriarch of his family, his lively and charismatic grandmother.

Filmed over several trips to Beirut (Kaabour’s hometown) – Teta, Alf Marra documents a woman’s memory of a life past; her stories of a rich life with her late musician husband (also named Mahmoud) and the shadows of a chaotic and colorful family life.

Interlaced with moments of contemplative surrealism and a haunting soundtrack (comprised of musical pieces belonging to Teta’s late violinist husband) – Teta, Alf Marra is an interesting account, and tribute, to not only one man's grandmother, but almost to the enduring legacies, and strength of character, of all our matriarchal elders - a position often neglected in cinematic, or any other kind, of storytelling.

Perhaps this is what's most important. Teta isn't just a story one man's grandmother, it's a metaphor for the natural maternal position and strength of women in a family structure. And whether your grandparents are still with us or not, this is perhaps the most touching take-away from this film.

Teta is a well made, enjoyable and personal account of a grandmother, mother and wife; and better still, it comes from within the Middle East. The fact that this now has a theatrical release in the UAE is further testament to a changing film industry, and the underlying quality of Teta, Alf Marra.

Teta, Alf Marra is showing in the Picturehouse (Reel Cinemas – Dubai Mall) on October 27^th – November 9^th and VOX cinemas (Marina Makk – Abu Dhabi) October 27^th – November 5^th.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE

Editor review

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