Representing the Middle East
The prestigious Sundance Film Festival is set to run from January 23 to February 2 in the United States. This year, five movies from will be representing the region at the international festival.
From Taylor Swift and Netflix’s documentary debuting to a series about Hilary Clinton, Sundance 2020 is shaping up to be an exciting year. Here are all the movies from the region that have made it to the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.
Luxor, Zeina Durra
This movie set in Luxor stars renowned Egyptian actresses Sherine Reda and Shahira Fahmy. The film tells the story of Hana, a British aid worker who meets an archaeologist and former lover named Sultan when she comes back to the antiquated city of Luxor. The film is competing at the World Cinema Dramatic Competition category.
The Perfect Candidate, Haifaa Al Mansour
Saudi director Haifaa Al Mansour will represent the Kingdom at Sundance as her film will be screened at the festival. The film tells the story of a determined young Saudi doctor and her surprise run for office in the local city elections, which sweeps up her family and community as they struggle to accept their town’s first female candidate. The film is under the festival’s Spotlight category.
Arabian Alien, Meshal Aljaser
Screening as part of the Shorts Programs category, the film tells the story of Saad, a married Muslim man, who gets over his depression after a space alien is introduced into his life.
So What if the Goats Die, Sofia Alaoui
The Sofia Alaoui-directed Moroccan film follows Abdellah, a young shepherd living in the mountains, is forced to brave the snow blocking him in order to get food and save his cattle. Once he gets to the village, he faces a supernatural phenomenon.
Yalda, a Night for Forgiveness, Massoud Bakhshi
Set in modern day Iran, Maryam accidentally killed her husband, Nasser, and is sentenced to death. The only person who can save her is Mona, Nasser’s daughter. All Mona has to do is appear on a TV show and forgive Maryam. But forgiveness proves difficult when they are forced to relive the past.
Media: Sundance, Youtube
