Author: Hanna Flint
Saleh Bakri, a prominent Palestinian actor, didn’t always plan on pursuing a career in acting. Initially aspiring to be a painter and sculptor, Saleh found solace in acting to combat his social anxiety. Eventually, he fell in love with the art form as a means of presenting Palestine’s rich history and current struggles. Now, at 47, Saleh has made a name for himself in Palestinian, Arab, and European cinema. With a diverse filmography that showcases his versatility, Saleh has collaborated with renowned filmmakers like Annemarie Jacir and starred in award-winning films. His latest role in “The Teacher,” directed by Farah…
Lights, camera, action! The 68th BFI London Film Festival is back this October, showcasing 253 films, shorts, series, and immersive works from around the world. This year’s lineup shines a spotlight on the talents of Middle Eastern and North African filmmakers, with a special focus on their unique stories. A Tale of Two Aïchas Discover two Tunisian films with powerful female protagonists named Aïcha. Mehdi M. Barsaoui’s “Aïcha” delves into a young woman’s struggle to escape her past, while Meryam Joobeur’s “Who Do I Belong To” explores the complexities within a family dealing with the return of a son from…
The first-ever Muslim International Film Festival (MIFF) concluded on June 2 with the premiere of Naqqash Khalid’s film “In Camera.” Winners for Best Film and Best Short were announced, with a jury including industry professionals like Claudia Yusef and Leon Oteng. Ten feature films were in competition, highlighting emerging talent and diverse perspectives from the Muslim world. Inshallah A Boy takes Best Film at MIFF “Inshallah A Boy,” a Jordanian drama, won Best Film for its powerful portrayal of a widowed woman fighting patriarchal laws. The lack of female directors in the selection was noted, despite standout films centered on…
The UK Muslim Film charity has recently launched its first Muslim International Film Festival (MIFF) in London to showcase outstanding films and filmmakers that highlight the diversity of Muslims globally. The festival will take place at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square from May 30th to June 2nd, featuring films from various countries like the UK, Morocco, Jordan, and Palestine. MIFF aims to present a more authentic and respectful portrayal of Muslims on screen, countering the stereotypical depictions often seen in Western cinema. This year’s festival includes a variety of films, but here are some highlights: Hounds (2023) Director: Kamal Lazraq A…