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Arab Filmmakers Tackle Tensions in Society: ‘We Defy Invisibility’
Cannes hosts films from Saudi, Palestinian and Moroccan directors, including 'Norah,' 'East of Noon,' 'To a Land Unknown.'
During the lineup announcement in April, Cannes artistic director Thierry Frémaux gave the Red Sea fest – which is among the backers of “Norah” – a shout out for its crucial role in fostering filmmaking and stimulating moviegoing in Saudi, which is now theatrical market leader in the Middle East and North Africa region. Perhaps more significantly, the recent top-grossing title in the kingdom is “Mandoob,” a groundbreaking satirical drama directed by Ali Kalthami in which the protagonist, named Fahad, is fired from his job in a call center and becomes a booze runner, plunging into the depths of Riyadh’s underworld as he battles adversity to save his ailing father. Egypt, which remains the region’s pan-Arab production powerhouse – at least within the commercial movie milieu – is in Cannes Directors’ Fortnight with eclectic black comedy “East of Noon,” a sophomore feature by visual artist and filmmaker Hala Elkoussy(“Cactus Flower”).
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