For The First Time Ever 3 Middle Eastern Movies Will Compete in Cannes Film Festival
The 71st Cannes Film festival is just around the corner and it’s way more than red carpets’ glitz and glam. The official nominees were just announced and it’s a historic moment for Arab cinema. Not just one or two, but three movies were nominated from the region.
Yommeddine by Egyptian/Austrian Director Abu Bakr Shawky and Capernaum by Lebanese Director Nadine Labaki are officially selected in the main competition. Sofia, the first feature film by Franco/Moroccan filmmaker Meryem Benmbarek is officially selected in the ‘Un Certain Regard’. ‘Yommeddine’ has been making waves for the past few months. The film follows the tale of a middle-aged man raised in a leper colony, who embarks with a sidekick and a donkey on a journey across Egypt to reconnect with his family.
Shawky took to social media to thank those who believed in him, as well as the cast and crew who endured difficult conditions, lack of money, unusual distant locations, and language barriers. We’re keeping our Fingers crossed for our three Middle Eastern stars.
