A Saudi filmmaker, Abdullah al-Muheisin, couldn't attend the screening of his film in New York because he couldn't get a visa on time.
This is added prove that all is required is satellite communication and education. If people can get American university degrees without leaving home, sure they can discuss a film. There is no need for him to be here at all or ever: he can speak to his New York audience from the safe distance of Saudi Arabia. Why take unnecessary risks?
The case for Palestinian films is more complicated. The movies themselves couldn't make it to the film festival because Fedex refused to pick up from Gaza.
Iranian films were not even considered.
Yalla. Watch what arrived. These festivals seem to be on their way out of existence. And of course, there is always Hollywood.
6 comments:
Having myself watched the first Saudi film with a lot of enthusiasm which slowly but steadily turned into disgust, I think perhaps it would not be a bad idea if they don't make it to the US. I am not sure about this film, but, quite frankly, I have for so long given up on whatever comes from Saudi Arabia. They have given us Munif but only when they have taken his citizenship! I realize here I am not speaking as an intellectual or what you might call a secular progressive person but as a simple Arab Tunisian who just emerged from the Streets of Bab Souiqqa in Tunis! Let me adhere to that perspective for 2 minutes. I would not have been able to say the above otherwise.
ng
What was the film that disgusted you so badly?
Your two minutes, ng, are not up--so fadfed (i.e. tell all).
Amal, I'm wondering...
Are we getting discreminated against? Or is it something that happens to all, but we only paid attention recently?
qwaider,
where have you been? yes, discrimination is not new and Arabs and Muslims have no monopoloy on being its sole victims. But since 9/11 it's been felt differently.
I can't remember the title of the film Amal, but I am willing to dig it up if you insist; it's on one of my burned discs somewhere. But, the film is really ridiculous: it's about tradition and modernity, whether a woman should choose who to marry or not, etc. Not only that the topic is so old and overdone, and so tiring, but the acting is so poor and artificial and transpires no emotions, not even lethargy! To hell with that film even though it addresses a problem that Saudi Arabia has still to work through, but it does so in a very arcane and totally un-artistic manner. See it and you will believe me: it's famous, just ask about the first Saudi movie
ng,
oh, I know which one. I actually posted something about it. It's produced by Walid ben Talal, owner of Routana. So that should give a clue about how "subversive" it's going to be.
I've blogged on the yacoubian building several times. just type that in the search box. I'm also writing a paper on it, which you are welcome to read when it's done : )
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