Post-Revolution, Arab Cinema is Producing Dystopic Narratives
Viola Shafik has seen several post-thawra Arab features that convey a bleak and dystopian vision of the present.
Category: Film Reviews
The End of Innocence in Panah Panahi’s Hit the Road?
Bavand Karim finds that's Panah Panahi's feature is a prodigal debut from Iranian cinema’s latest auteur and son of Jafar Panahi.
The Story of Youssef Salem, Nominated for the Goncourt
Laëtitia Soula reviews the acidic new comedy from Baya Kasmi, which plays on the Rothian theme of intimate family confessions.
The Swimmers and the Mardini Sisters: a True Liberation Tale
Syrian British novelist Rana Haddad reviews the new feature film from Sally El Hoseini on Netflix.
Sexploitation or Cinematic Art? The Case of Abdellatif Kechiche
Film critic and historian Viola Shafik pillories cinematographic voyeurism.
Imprisoned Director Jafar Panahi’s No Bears
Critic Clive Bell reviews the latest feature from one of several Iranian filmmakers who languish in prison.
Love Has Everything to Do with Maryam Touzani’s The Blue Caftan
Melissa Chemam reviews the new taboo-busting feature film from Moroccan director Maryam Touzani.
You Resemble Me Deconstructs a Muslim Life That Ends Radically
We saw Dina Amer's debut feature film based on the life of Hasna Ait Boulahcen, yet another victim of Wahhabi/Salafi extremism.
Viral Depression in Maha Haj’s Mediterranean Fever
Viola Shafik saw the Montpellier CINEMED screening of a new feature in which Haifa Palestinians catch a strange virus.
The Chess Moves of Tarik Saleh’s Spy Thriller, Boy From Heaven
Karim Goury revels in the new feature from Swedish Egyptian director Tarik Saleh.
Orientalism and the Erasure of Middle Easterners in Black Adam
Mireille Rebeiz takes issue with the dismal portrayal of Arabs and other Middle Easterners in a Hollywood superhero movie.
Why Muslim Palestinian “Mo” Preferred Catholic Confession to Therapy
As a Muslim American and scholar of Islam, Sarah Eltantawi finds the new series from Mo Amer and Ramy Youssef cathartic.