What to Watch in North Africa This Month
This month’s watch guide is a mixed bag of history lessons and impactful documentaries as well as invitations to suspend your disbelief and delve into the world of sci-fi and superstition. Explore these North African gems filled with beautiful cinematography supplemented by philosophical deep dives, religious controversy, and of course the obligatory rom-com.
‘Heroic Bodies’ (Sudan)
In Heroic Bodies, Sara Suliman narrates the development of the Sudanese women’s movement through the framework of body politics. The documentary investigates how the body was used as a means of resistance against the state, patriarchy and colonial oppression, highlighting events that occurred during British colonialism and the post-independence era. Through several interviews with women’s rights pioneers, the film shows creative practices that contributed to Sudanese women’s emancipation.
Where to watch: Zawya Cinema and other theaters in Cairo
‘The Tedious Tour of M’ (Egypt)
In this documentary, filmmaker and poet Hend Bakr is on a quest to discover why Mohamed Hafez Ragab, a peanuts street vendor who became one of the stars of the modern history of Egyptian literature in the sixties, returned to his hometown and retreated from social life for 30 years at the peak of his career. She uncovers his secret: he was doomed to stop writing forever.
Where to watch: Zawya Cinema Cairo
‘Tasgaoudrar (Or the people who came from the mountains)’ (Morocco)
This short film follows the story of a young Berber, narrating the loss of his father, a fisherman, and his love for the ocean. Through beautiful cinematography, we intimately witness Moroccan surfers gliding on Atlantic waves and listen to the boy’s musings on how his passion for surfing helped him find happiness, friendship, and meaning. This short film was produced by Ayoub Abouizza and directed by Felix Gänsicke, Javi Postigo and Jose Postigo.
Where to watch: YouTube
‘Ex Meraty’ (Egypt)
In this romantic comedy co-starring Amina Khalil, Hesham Maged and Mohamed Mamdouh in the leading roles, dangerous ex-convict Taha is set free from prison halfway through his sentence under the watchful eye of his psychiatrist Dr. Youssef. Upon his release, Taha discovers that his wife has left him and remarried. Directed by Moataz El Tony and written by Karim Samy and Ahmed Abdel Wahab.
Where to watch: Egyptian and Tunisian movie theaters
‘So What If The Goats Die’ (Morocco)
In this award-winning sci-fi short film directed and written by Sofia Alaoui, young shepherd Abdellah, played by Fouad Oughaou, is forced to brave the snow blocking him from getting food and save his cattle in the Atlas mountains. When he makes the daylong trip to the village on his mule, he finds it abandoned due to a strange event that has wreaked havoc on the lives of all believers.
Where to watch: YouTube
‘The Atheist’ (Egypt)
The Atheist is set to premiere in Egyptian cinemas in mid-August, and it is already facing severe backlash and calls for a boycott by conservative Muslims. Written by Ibrahim Eissa, the film deals with topics of religious extremism and atheism through the story of protagonist Yahia, performed by Ahmed Hatem, who is raised by Sheikh who opposes religious tolerance. The experience of ultraconservative ideas around him prompts Yahia to doubt his faith, eventually turning into a disbeliever, which leads his father and fellow fanatics to force him to atone for his sin or else face imminent death as a punishment.
Where to watch: Egyptian theaters from mid-August
‘Afro-Arab’ (Sudan/East Africa/Arabian Peninsula)
This short film, directed by Remi Laudat, explores the complex identities and experiences of people who identify as Afro-Arabs. Celebrating their heritage that connects Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, they share insight on how they navigate growing up between cultures, facing racism and othering with creativity and bravery.