Discover our list of thoughtful film reviews to gain visual and cinematic perspectives on the cultures, stories, and current affairs shaping the Middle East and North Africa, from award winning pictures to inspiring stories.
“West Beirut” Film Review: A Playful Outlook to Lebanon’s Civil War
Tarek Noueiri (Rami Doueiri) steps outside the classroom and unfastens the casement window. His French teacher’s words reverberate ...
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“Wadjda” Film Review: How Saudi Arabian Culture Impacts a Young Girl’s Pursuits
“Don’t you know that girls don’t ride bikes?” Abdullah (Abdullrahman Al Gohani) scorned Wadjda, a sly grin painted ...
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“The Swimmers” Film Review: The Inspiring Olympic Story of Two Syrian Sisters
In the middle of the Aegean Sea, an overcrowded dinghy carrying sisters Yusra and Sara along with 18 ...
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“The Insult” Movie Review: The Entangled Web Between the Personal and Political
Yasser Salameh’s (Kamel El Basha) posture is tense, his hands fixated on his hips, and his eyes locked ...
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“Taste of Cherry” Film Review: An Iranian Man’s Quest for the Meaning of Life
Abbas Kiarostami’s Taste of Cherry presents serene Iranian landscapes amid a protagonist’s grim ideation. The protagonist drives through ...
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“Tallahassee” Film Review: The Solitude of Mental Struggles in Arab Communities
“Are you sick?” The young Rakkan eyes the bright blue hospital band adorning his Aunt Mira’s wrist. He ...
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“Papicha” Film Review: Fighting for Fashion
In some ways, Papicha tells a familiar story of girlhood in the 1990s — sneaking out, bonding with ...
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“Monsieur Lazhar” (2011) Film Review: Collective Grief and Cultural Difference
Monsieur Lazhar, nominated for best foreign language film at the 2012 Academy Awards, explores the trust it takes ...
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“Incendies” Film Review: Time Travel Through a Mysterious Past to Heal Generational Wounds
“Childhood is a knife stuck in your throat.” The notary read aloud Nawal Marwan’s last words encapsulated in ...
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