The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Image via Arab News

Arab filmmakers have played a significant role in shaping the world of cinema, offering a unique perspective on the cultural, social, and political realities of the Arab world. Their films provide insight into the experiences, struggles, and aspirations of Arab societies, challenging stereotypes. Tackling pressing issues such as political unrest, social inequality, gender dynamics, and the impact of globalisation on traditional values, these filmmakers have not only gained recognition within our region but have also made a mark on the international stage, earning accolades at prestigious film festivals and receiving critical acclaim. Their work has widened the global understanding of Arab societies, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and helping to dismantle stereotypes. Here are some emerging filmmakers whose powerful voices will shape the perception of the Arab world.

 

Mohamed Kordofani (Sudan)

Image via Golden Globes

Kordofani has solidified his position as one of the most important observers of contemporary Sudanese society with his critically acclaimed debut feature, Goodbye Julia. The film won the Freedom Prize at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival in May, and in December, it became a regional box office hit. In 2024, a global release for the film is anticipated. The film’s plot, which centres on three people in Sudan’s capital city of Khartoum, is both a potent indictment of the bigotry that split the nation in half and approachable enough to avoid controversy while drawing new viewers to the area’s artistic scene.

 

Farah Nabulsi (Palestine)

Image via Screen Daily

The Oscar-nominated and Bafta-winning 2020 short film, The Present, initially made Nabulsi known to the film world and beyond. With yet another hit, The Teacher, scheduled for release in Middle Eastern theatres in February, the director proves she is one of the region’s most promising artists and among the most important spokespersons for Palestinians. In The Present, a man and his daughter navigate West Bank checkpoints in order to deliver a birthday present to his wife. The Teacher, on the other hand, is a more complex and sophisticated piece of writing. The film took home the highly sought-after Jury Prize at the 2023 Red Sea International Film Festival in December. The film pushes the spectator to consider what they would do if they found themselves in the same situation.

 

Amjad Al Rasheed (Jordan)

Image via Berlinale Talents

The Jordanian director made a buzz back in May when his first feature film, Inshallah a Boy, became the first Jordanian film to screen at the Cannes Film Festival. The film went on to win the GAN Foundation Award and the Rail d’Or Award for Best Feature Film. Shying away from the spotlight, Al Rasheed intended to draw attention to the discrimination that women face in his home country. The movie, which was inspired by tales narrated to him by relatives, centres on a young lady who, following her husband’s death, pretends to be pregnant to keep her house from being taken away. A regional theatre release of the film is expected in 2024.

 

Maryam Touzani (Morocco)

Image via ana Contemporary Arab Cinema

The actress and filmmaker from Morocco released her second feature film, The Blue Caftan, at Cannes in 2022. Since then, the film has received critical acclaim, becoming the first Moroccan picture to be nominated for an Academy Award, setting a record at the box office worldwide. Her first film, Adam, was what first put her on the scene, while her third film, Touda, was co-written with her husband, Nabil Ayouch, who directed the 2021 film Casablanca Beats.

 

Omar Hilal (Egypt)

Image via Deadline

Although Egypt has historically had the most active film industry in the region, the country has never painted a picture quite like Omar Hilal’s debut feature, Voy! Voy! Voy!. The film tells the story of a destitute security guard who poses as blind in order to join a visually impaired football club and travel to Europe. The film was well-received by the local public and achieved great reviews and box office success before its anticipated international release in 2024. Equally controversial as he is socially conscious, Hilal definitely knows how to appeal to his audience, signalling that there is more to come from his brilliant mind.