Until the Birds Return
Set in contemporary Algiers, this sensitive debut interweaves three stories: past and present collide in a builder's life; a woman is torn between reason and emotion; a neurologist struggles with war-time demons.
Set in contemporary Algiers, this sensitive debut interweaves three stories: past and present collide in a builder's life; a woman is torn between reason and emotion; a neurologist struggles with war-time demons.
Shadi returns home for his sister’s wedding. Together with his father, he drives around Nazareth, handing out invitations. The different encounters and his conversation with his father only sharpen the differences between the two regarding politics and tradition.
Beirut - a dispute between neighbors over the repair of a gutter escalates into a legal and national conflict. The result is a brilliant combination of drama and irony and one of the best films of recent years.
Hassane and his friends all experience the alienation and loneliness of the city. When he jumps into the sea, the group’s sense of belonging sharpens. A portrait of masculinity in crisis, Martyr offers a new and intriguing look at youth, love, friendship and the power of life.
Algeria, 1995. Fatima runs a hammam for women – a heaven for her and her clients. The civil war between the government and Islamic factions create political, religious and personal tensions that transform Fatima and the women’s day into one packed with stress and drama.
A mother tries to keep her family safe and the sounds of war away in the heart of Damascus. Van Leeuw’s film encapsulates the Syrian tragedy into 24 hours in one apartment. The result is an excellent drama.