‘Norah’
Starring: Yaqoub Alfarhan, Maria Bahrawi
Director: Tawfik Alzaidi
The Saudi-backed “Jeanne du Barry” paved the way last year, and now Saudi filmmaker Tawfik Alzaidi’s debut feature “Norah” is making waves on the global stage at Cannes. Set in AlUla in the late Nineties, the film follows Nader (Yaqoub Alfarhan), a teacher whose artistic aspirations are dwindling. When he meets Norah (Maria Bahrawi), a young, talented girl, he strives to help her nurture her artistic abilities in hopes that her self-expression will be embraced by her country. Alzaidi expressed his joy at being able to tell the truth through this film, urging audiences to believe in themselves and never stop fighting for their voice.
‘Everybody Loves Touda’
Starring: Nisrin Erradi, Joud Chamihy, Jalila Tlemsi
Director: Nabil Ayouch
Nabil Ayouch, the Franco-Moroccan filmmaker, is no stranger to Cannes. His latest film, “Everybody Loves Touda,” delves into Morocco’s vibrant music scene for inspiration. The story follows Touda, a single mother in a provincial town, who dreams of becoming a ‘sheikha’ and making it big in Casablanca, empowered by the lyrics of fierce female poets.
‘To A Land Unknown’
Starring: Angeliki Papoulia, Mahmood Bakri, Manal Awad
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
UAE-born Danish-Palestinian filmmaker Mahdi Fleifel brings a gripping tale to Cannes with “To A Land Unknown.” The film follows two Palestinian cousins, Chatila and Reda, on a perilous journey from Athens to Germany. When Reda loses their money, Chatila hatches a risky plan involving hostages and posing as smugglers to escape their dire circumstances.
‘Motel Destino’
Starring: Iago Xavier, Fabio Assuncao, Nataly Rocha
Director: Karim Ainouz
Karim Ainouz presents “Motel Destino,” an erotic thriller set in a roadside love hotel. The arrival of 21-year-old Heraldo, on the run after a failed assassination, disrupts the hotel’s order and intrigues Dayana, the restless younger wife. Loyalties and desire intertwine as fate takes an enigmatic turn in this tropical noir.
‘The Village Next to Paradise’
Starring: Ahmed Ali Farah, Anab Ahmed Ibrahim
Director: Mo Harawe
Mogadishu-born Somali-Austrian filmmaker Mo Harawe’s debut feature, “The Village Next to Paradise,” offers a poignant portrayal of a remote Somali village. The film explores the dynamics of a newly assembled family navigating their aspirations amidst a complex world. Love, trust, and resilience drive them through their life paths.
THE HOTTEST PREMIERES
Four esteemed directors unveil their latest films at Cannes this year.
‘Megalopolis’
Francis Ford Coppola
Five-time Oscar winner Francis Ford Coppola returns with an epic sci-fi drama featuring a stellar cast including Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, and more.
‘Kinds of Kindness’
Yorgos Lanthimos
Inventive filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos presents “Kinds of Kindness,” an anthology film reuniting him with Emma Stone after their success with “Poor Things.”
‘The Shrouds’
David Cronenberg
Horror maestro David Cronenberg brings a chilling tale to Cannes about a technology that allows the living to monitor their deceased loved ones.
‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’
George Miller
George Miller’s spin-off from “Mad Max: Fury Road” delves into the origin story of Imperator Furiosa, portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy.