Whether starring Middle Eastern actresses or telling the stories of Arab women, these shows and films should be on your saved list.
It may only be mid-March, but we’re very aware that summer is coming.
In a few short months, we’ll be relegated to weekends spent indoors, chugging ice-cream and binge-watching TV shows as temperatures nudge 50 degrees Celsius outside.
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In anticipation, we’re already planning our summer viewing—and we’ll be starting with a selection of shows and films focused around women of the region.
Netflix might currently be developing its first original Arabic series, but it’s not the only programme starring females from the Arab world.
Here, we’ve rounded up what to add to your saved list from the online entertainment giant.
Very Big Shot
This 2015 drug-
Blessed Benefit
This 2016 drama-comedy directed by Jordan’s Mahmoud al Massad tells the story of a construction worker who ends up in jail after being wrongfully convicted of fraud. While behind bars, he learns to appreciate some of the liberties afforded to him in prison.
Collateral
Saudi Arabian actress Ahd Kamel wowed in acclaimed 2012 film Wadjda, and now she’s starring in this 2018 thriller co-produced by the BBC. The Jeddah-raised actress plays Muslim woman Fatma in the mini series, which charts the repercussions following the fatal shooting of a pizza delivery man in London.
As well as Kamel, the show stars Oscar winner Carey Mulligan, Billie Piper and John Simm, working from a script by award-winning playwright Sir David Hare.
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Speed Sisters
Images: Supplied