What to Watch in North Africa This January
From Oscar-nominated documentaries to socio-political drama, this guide has you covered for January cinema visits in Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco, and Arabic movie nights everywhere else.
In the Moroccan film 'My Dad is Not Dead,' a son searches for his wrongfully imprisoned father.
North African cinema is starting the year strong! From award-winning documentaries to action and comedy, January is the right month to hit up cinemas and check out the new additions on streaming platforms.
January is also the month to commemorate the 2011 Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions, so it is worth revisiting some of the great films that documented the people’s uprisings. Watch Jehane Noujaim’s The Square on Netflix or learn about Tunisia’s revolution in this VICE documentary.
Below are the films you should not miss this month:
‘Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo’ (Egypt)
Khaled Mansour's celebrated debut, Seeking Haven for Mr. Rambo, takes place in a working-class neighborhood of Cairo. 30-year-old Hassan, played by Essam Omar, faces eviction with his mother and dog, Rambo. His mother decides to sue their landlord, Karem, a car mechanic planning to expand his workshop, who responds with hostility. When Karem attacks Hassan, his dog Rambo comes to the rescue, biting the car mechanic - a public humiliation that only fuels Karem's aggression. Forced to flee, Hassan and Rambo search for safety while avoiding the mechanic's revenge. On their journey through Cairo, Hassan confronts his deepest fears and rediscovers himself.
Where to watch: Egyptian and Moroccan Cinemas
‘My Dad is Not Dead’ (Morocco)
This film tells the story of Malik and his father, Mehdi, who work as handymen at the funfair they call home. One day, Mehdi shows his son five special paintings. The following day, while searching for posters at a theater, the two accidentally end up at a political rally. In a moment of panic, Mehdi mistakenly takes the wrong box and is subsequently accused by the police of spreading propaganda. After his father's arrest, Malik begins to search for him with the help of other showmen and the paintings his father left behind. Directed by Adil El Fadili.
Where to watch: Moroccan Cinemas
‘Hollywoodgate’ (Egypt)
Egyptian director Ibrahim Nash'at was granted access to film two Taliban military figures for a year, only a few days after the U.S. pulled out of Afghanistan, leaving billions worth of military equipment. Taliban forces occupied the Hollywood Gate complex, which is claimed to be a former CIA base in Kabul. Nash'at documented them on and off duty despite the threat that they would kill him if they disapproved of how he was filming. The result is Hollywoodgate, a remarkable film shortlisted for the 97th Academy Awards.
Where to watch: Zawya Cinema Cairo
‘Sahbek Rajel’ (Tunisia)
This Tunisian action film, starring Karim El Gharbi and Yassine Ben Ghamra as Azouz and Mahdi, tells the story of two very different police officers — one is reckless, while the other is honest and loyal to his family. Their difference in character makes for a comedic work duo. Directed by Kais Chekir.
Where to watch: Tunisian Cinemas
‘My Cousin and I’ (Egypt)
Ahmed Saleh's feel-good comedy Ana We Ibn Khalty (My Cousin and I) stars Bayoumi Fouad and Sayed Ragab as cousins Hassan and Ismail. Engaged in a long-standing squabble, they constantly try to outdo each other until they discover that what matters most is family and love for one another.
Where to watch: Netflix
‘The Swarm’ (Egypt)
Al Serb (The Swarm) traces the journey of a team of Egyptian National Security forces as they battle terrorist organizations. Directed by Ahmed Nader Galal, this thriller is inspired by true events. Following the massacre of 21 Coptic Egyptians by ISIS, the army undertakes a mission and an airstrike against the terrorist organization in Libya and encounters resistance. This film, starring Ahmed El Sakka and Sherif Mounir, is characterized by high-powered combat sequences and impressive production.
Where to watch: Prime Video
‘El Mestrayaha’ (Egypt)
Egyptian actor Laila Eloui stars as Shahinez El Marashli, a con artist who hid a rare diamond before fleeing Egypt 20 years ago. She now returns to reclaim it but discovers that the bodies in the cemetery have been relocated. Consequently, she has to reunite with her children to find the missing gem and slowly realizes she has been outplayed in a con of her own.
Where to watch: Egyptian Cinemas
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