6 Arab Movies To Compete For Oscars 2025

by Dara Morgan

6 Arab Movies To Compete For Oscars 2025

22 Oct 2024

Arab cinema continues to shine on the global stage with six remarkable movies long-listed for the 2025 Academy Awards. Directed by some of the most celebrated filmmakers in the Arab world, these movies span diverse genres, from psychological thrillers to poignant dramas, each telling unique stories from their respective countries. With compelling narratives and outstanding performances, these submissions showcase the region’s rich storytelling tradition, making them strong contenders for the prestigious Best International Feature Film award.

Flight 404 (Egypt)

Directed by the acclaimed Hani Khalifa, Flight 404 is a gripping psychological thriller that follows Ghadha, played by Mona Zaki, as she grapples with raising money for her mother’s emergency surgery just days before embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage. Faced with ethical dilemmas and encounters with figures from her past, Ghadha's journey becomes a tense exploration of morality and survival.

Released in January, the film grossed over three million dollars in ticket sales. Flight 404 is Egypt’s official submission for the Oscars, and if shortlisted, it stands a chance to be nominated for the cherished golden statue.

Everybody Loves Touda (Morocco)

Everybody Loves Touda tells the tale of a single mother, Touda, portrayed by Nisrin Erradi, who dreams of becoming a Sheikha — a traditional Moroccan singer. After falling from grace in her small village, she seeks a new life in Casablanca, where she hopes to rise as a celebrated performer.

Directed by French-Moroccan filmmaker Nabil Ayouch, the film competed at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, earning praise for its emotional depth and musical brilliance. Erradi's performance brings warmth and resilience to the role of Touda, making the film a favourite among critics.

Algiers (Algeria)

Algiers is a gripping crime drama directed by Chakib Taleb-Bendiab. The film follows the investigation into the kidnapping of a young girl in the Algerian capital, which brings together a police inspector and a psychiatrist as they work to solve the case. The film stars Meriem Medjkane, Nabil Asli, and Hichem Mesbah.

Taleb-Bendiab’s debut feature draws inspiration from Algeria’s complex social landscape and promises to follow in the footsteps of previous Oscar-winning Algerian films, with hopes of replicating the success of Z, which won the Academy Award in 1970.

Image: IMDb

From Ground Zero (Palestine)

Led by Palestinian filmmaker Rashid Masharawi, From Ground Zero is a compilation of 22 short films by Gazan filmmakers, each offering stories of resilience, tragedy, and hope. Initially set to premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, the project was ultimately screened independently by Masharawi in protest of its exclusion.

Incorporating a variety of filmmaking techniques, including animation and stop-motion, From Ground Zero showcases the creativity and determination of Palestinian artists. One standout short, Recycling, focuses on a mother making do with scarce resources — a testament to the ingenuity and strength of the human spirit.

Baghdad Messi (Iraq)

Based on his 2012 short movie, Sahim Omar Kalifa’s Baghdad Messi is a powerful tale of a young boy who, despite losing his leg during the US invasion of Iraq, refuses to let go of his dreams of playing football. Using crutches, the boy continues to pursue his passion for the game with the help of his friends.

Supported by Belgium, Baghdad Messi has been featured at several international film festivals and received praise for its heartwarming portrayal of resilience in the face of adversity.

My Sweet Land (Jordan)

My Sweet Land, directed by Azza Hourani, is the story of 11-year-old Vrej, who dreams of becoming a dentist in the conflict-ridden region of Artsakh, where tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia have simmered for years. The movie explores Vrej's childhood aspirations amidst the backdrop of war, offering a touching narrative about the pursuit of peace and normalcy in turbulent times.

Image: IMDb

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Mark your calendar, snag your tickets, and get ready: November 16, 2024, from 5 PM to 3 AM at Monkey Bar, Dubai.

by Dara Morgan