Jordan’s ‘Theeb’ nominated for best foreign film Oscar
Should the film prove successful at the ceremony on February 28, it will become the first Arab film to receive an Oscar
The Jordanian film “Theeb”, co-produced in the UAE, has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Should the film prove successful at the ceremony on February 28, it will become the first Arab film to receive an Oscar.
The movie, a coming-of-age drama set in the First World War-era Jordanian desert, features a cast made up largely of Bedouins with no previous acting experience.
The Jordanian film, directed by Naji Abu Nowar, will go up against Colombia’s Embrace of the Serpent, France’s Mustang, Hungary’s Son of Saul and Denmark’s A War.
Speaking to Al Arabiya News’ Raed Omari back in September, Abu Nowar said his team was “overwhelmed” by the success the film has garnered globally.
“It has been an overwhelming and joyous experience for the whole team. We are all very happy and the journey continues,” he told Al Arabiya News.
The film faced many obstacles on its way before hitting screen world-wide but as the director puts it, “Theeb” hopes recognition will push for more Arab cinema to reach international standards.
“On a practical level I hope it proves to investors and funds here that we can make international standard films – and in Theeb’s case for a lot less money than in the West – that can be celebrated across the world,” Abu Nowar said.
Read Al Arabiya News’ full interview with ‘Theeb’ director Naji Abu Nowar here.
Also Read
-
‘I want to make Arabic epics,’ says director of Jordan’s 2016 Oscar bid
Naji Abu Nowar, director of the award–winning feature Theeb, on his movie inspirations from the Bedouin community Variety -
Arab filmmakers say cinema is region’s ‘most powerful non-violent weapon’
Four artists say it’s high time Arabs reclaim their cinema heritage as ISIS dominates propaganda productions Variety
