Missing the Cannes Film Festival this year? Here are six Arabic films nominated for the prestigious Palme d’Or prize you can watch instead.
‘Chronicle of the Years of Fire’ (1975)
The Algerian drama historical film, which depicts the Algerian War of Independence through the eyes of a poor farmer was directed by Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina and is the first Arab film to take home the Palme d’Or award.‘Capernaum’ (2018)
Directed by Lebanese filmmaker Nadine Labaki, this heartbreaking film tells the story of a destitute 12-year-old boy who is suing his parents for bringing him into the world. It was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or in 2018, and while it didn’t win, it took home the Jury Prize.‘Yomeddine’ (2018)
This Egyptian film debuted at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Palme d’Or prize. The A.B Shawky-directed drama is about an Egyptian leper– portrayed by a non-actor who actually lives in a leper colony– and his orphaned friend, who set out on a donkey in search of their families.‘Divine Intervention’ (2002)
This dark comedy about Palestinians living under Israeli occupation by Palestinian director Elia Suleiman was nominated for the Palme d'Or award at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival.‘It Must Be Heaven’ (2019)
This film is the renowned Palestinian director Elia Suleiman’s second to be considered for the prestigious Palme d’Or prize, scooping up the Jury Special Mention award at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival.‘Waves 98’ (2015)
Ely Dagher, a Lebanese director is the only Arab to have won the Palme D'or prize in the short film category at the Cannes festival for his animated film ‘Waves 98’ which explored his relationship with Beirut.
