7 Arab Films to Look Out For At The Venice Film Festival 2024
As the Venice Film Festival 2024 commences, we highlight some of the best regional films.
Having officially kicked off with the premiere of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the 81st Venice Film Festival is currently welcoming cinematic elite, Hollywood royalty and A-Listers from around the world to honour the very best in filmmaking – and that includes talent from the region. Here, Bazaar Arabia shares seven Arab films to add to your must-watch list this autumn, as they make their debut at the festival.
7 Arab Films to Look Out For At The Venice Film Festival 2024
Aïcha by Mehdi Barsaoui
Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Mehdi Barsaoui, Aïcha tells the story of a Tunisian woman longing to escape reality and start anew. Mehdi Barsaoui is renowned for his storytelling, gaining critical acclaim with his previous films, including A Son, which received a nomination at the Venice Film Festival 2019. The film takes us on a journey through her lens as she experiences unprecedented danger after changing her identity. She deals with the obstacle of being the witness to a police blunder and has to show resilience amidst unforeseen circumstances.
With a brilliant plot that blends themes of freedom, fighting through societal pressures, and the complexities Tunisian youth face, it has earned a nomination in the ”Horizons” category of the Venice Film Festival 2024.
Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo by Khaled Mansour
Debut Egyptian director Khaled Mansour brings to life a heartwarming story set in Cairo, Egypt, where 30-year-old Hassan goes on a journey of self-discovery, trying to find a safe space for his dog, Rambo, after he attacked a neighbour. The main character has to navigate external dangers in an underdeveloped neighbourhood while dealing with internal conflicts. This marks Egypt’s return to the Venice Film Festival after 12 years, appearing in the ”Horizons Extra” category.
Maroun Returns to Beirut by Feyrouz Serhal
Maroun Baghdadi’s legacy and life are beautifully explored in this documentary set in Beirut, Lebanon.
Maroun was a legend in the Lebanese film industry, directing multiple movies from 1973 to 1993. On the 30th anniversary of his passing, director Feyrouz Serhal takes a closer look into his life through intimate conversations as they visit the memorable city that shaped his career. The film provides insight into how he influenced society through cinema and reflects on the past, present, and future of Lebanon. It captures the impact of cinema on real lives and has been selected for screening in the ”Venice Classics” category.
Happy Holidays by Scandar Copti
The secrets, challenges, and hidden truths of a family unfold in this drama by Oscar-nominated Palestinian director Scandar Copti.
Themes of interpersonal conflicts and social division are seamlessly blended into the plot line, following a series of events in contemporary Jerusalem. With a previous win at the Cannes Film Festival 2009, the Palestinian filmmaker adds to his impressive accolades with a nomination in the ”Horizons” category.
Shadows by Rand Beiruty
Rand Beiruty, a Jordanian director, explores the story of a young refugee finding the bravery to part from her home in an airport.
A director with evident talent and skill, Rand Beiruty, recently gained a nomination at the Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival 2024 for her film Tell Them About Us. Shadows, which is featured in the ”Horizons Short Film Competition” category, animates the story of a girl grappling with a dark past as she navigates her way into a new life. Her creativity in exploring complex topics visually has given her recognition at the Venice Film Festival 2024 with Shadows.
Sudan, Remember Us by Hind Meddeb
French-Tunisian-Moroccan director Hind Meddeb captured the resilience of young Sudanese activists in the moving documentary Sudan, Remember Us. This nonfiction documentary shares the perspective of the challenges faced in Sudan, and there is great anticipation for the world premiere at the Venice Film Festival 2024 on 30 August.
Perfumed With Mint by Muhammed Hamdy
Hailing from the Emmy-Award-winning cinematographer turned director from Egypt, Muhammed Hamdy, Perfumed With Mint narrates the story of two old friends dealing with haunting memories of the past while trying to find a safe haven in the run-down streets of Cairo. A strange phenomenon reunites old friends, and they face a risky and uncertain journey. The creative film alluding to the complexities of Egypt received a nomination in the ”Independent Sections: International Critics’ Week” category.
Images courtesy of the Arab Film and Media Institute
