This programme highlights the work of a diverse group of filmmakers at different stages in their careers, who all have a singular approach to questions that are at once political, intimate and formal. From the humorous to the somewhat tragic, these films offer a glimpse into the distinct cinematic preoccupations of some of the most promising voices in Arab cinema today.
The Trap
Away from preying eyes, a young unmarried couple retreat to the depth of a desolate run-down Egyptian seaside resort, to make love. The power dynamic between them is tested, when the girl reveals she wants their relationship to end.
I Am Afraid to Forget Your Face
After being separated for 82 days, Adam travels down a rough road to be reunited with the one he loves, whatever it takes.
Aziza
This short film follows a newly displaced Syrian couple’s drive around Beirut, which then morphs into a hallucinatory and nostalgic trip.
The Bath
When his wife leaves on a business trip, Imed must take care of his 5-year-old son, Hedi, for the first time on his own. While his wife has always taken care of their child’s daily needs, Imed ends up enjoying this privileged time with his son, even after showing a little resistance. However, this common and simple event in a family’s life unearths dark memories from Imed’s past. Little by little, Imed is paralysed with anguish from the most trivial moments, forcing him to lead an unceasing double struggle – against his resurging fears and dire need to hide his turmoil from everyone and especially young Hedi.
Drought
In this erotically charged drama by Lebanese filmmaker Remi Itani, a real estate agent begins to close the gap between her private experiences in a series of empty apartments and the very different life she leads in public.
Maradona’s Legs
During the 1990 World Cup, two young Palestinian boys are looking for ‘Maradona’s legs’; the last missing sticker that they need in order to complete their world cup album and win a free Atari.
Production notes
THE TRAP
Director: Nada Riyadh
Egypt 2019
21 mins
I AM AFRAID TO FORGET YOUR FACE
Director: Sameh Alaa
Egypt 2020
15 mins
AZIZA
Director: Soudade Kaadan
Syria 2019
13 mins
THE BATH
Director: Anissa Daoud
Tunisia 2020
15 mins
DROUGHT
Director: Remi Itani
Lebanon 2020
15 mins
MARADONA’S LEGS
Director: Firas Khoury
Palestine 2019
20 mins
THE TIME IS NEW: SELECTIONS FROM CONTEMPORARY ARAB CINEMA
200 Meters
Tue 7 Sep 20:50; Wed 15 Sep 18:10
As Above, So Below (Kama fissamaa’, kathalika ala al-ard)
Wed 8 Sep 20:45; Fri 1 Oct 18:10 (+ pre-recorded Q&A with director Sarah Francis)
143 Sahara Street (143 rue du désert)
Sat 11 Sep 11:30; Mon 20 Sep 18:15
It Must Be Heaven
Sat 11 Sep 20:40; Mon 27 Sep 18:00; Mon 4 Oct 14:30
Let’s Talk Ehkeely
Mon 13 Sep 18:00 (+ pre-recorded Q&A with director Marianne Khoury); Tue 5 Oct 20:50
Tlamess
Tue 14 Sep 20:40; Thu 30 Sep 18:00
The Man Who Sold His Skin (L’Homme qui a vendu sa peau)
Thu 16 Sep 20:50
Talking About Trees
Mon 20 Sep 14:30; Mon 27 Sep 20:45; Sun 3 Oct 18:00
You Will Die at Twenty (Satamoto fel eshreen)
Thu 23 Sep 20:30 (+ pre-recorded Q&A with director Amjad Abu Alala); Sat 2 Oct 14:20
Narrative Encounters: Shorts Programme
Fri 24 Sep 20:40; Tue 5 Oct 18:10
Adam
Sat 25 Sep 14:20; Mon 4 Oct 20:50
Abou Leila
Sun 26 Sep 18:00; Sat 2 Oct 20:30
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Programme notes and credits compiled by the BFI Documentation Unit
Notes may be edited or abridged
Questions/comments? Contact the Programme Notes team by email