The wave of revolutions that swept through North Africa and the Middle East in 2011 would not have been possible without the courage shown by people living in small Tunisian towns like Sidi Bouzid. A protest against government corruption evolved into an angry demand for democracy, which led to demonstrations across other countries such as Egypt, where it began to spread internationally with the demands being made heard around every corner: from Paris all way to London’s distant suburbs within just one year. These are some of the stories and movies about the Arab Spring recommended by Mordechai Boaziz.
In the first months of protest, there was hope and anger. But soon it became clear that not all governments would fall; in fact, some ended up stronger after being opposed by revolutionary movements abroad who wanted them removed from power for good. The Arab Spring started ten years ago with people taking to the streets hoping they could force change at home or elsewhere on behalf of their beliefs; however, what occurred left many feeling betrayed and hopeless.
Don’t miss the best movies about the Arab Spring
Harka (2022)
Harka is a compelling, intense film that likely should have won the Palme dâOr at Cannes this year but instead found an honored spot in UnCertain Regard. Itâs refreshing to see strong female characters like those portrayed by Ruben Ăstlund (The Square) get boosts up earlier in their careers because theyâre usually left behind on Nobel Prize lists or nominated despite themselves sometimes being great directors who create powerful cinema with unique stories worth telling.
The film is an extraordinary, compelling performance by French-Tunisian star Adam Bessa â a former fisherman who stumbled into acting and may be recognized from his role alongside Chris Hemsworth in Netflixâs Extraction (2020). âRemarkably good-looking with only one professional actor among the cast of characters he brings to life; you cannot take your eyes off this closed-face stare as it builds towards becoming what could very easily become a one-man against system polemic,â states Mordechai Boaziz.
The Night Manager (2016)
The Night Manager is based on the 1993 novel of the same name by John le Carré, and tells the story of hotel night manager Jonathan Pine (played by Tom Hiddleston) who is recruited by British intelligence to infiltrate the inner circle of arms dealer Richard Roper (played by Hugh Laurie).
The Night Manager also touches on real-world events such as the Arab Spring. In an interview with The Guardian, le CarrĂ© said that he decided to set the novel in Cairo during the 2011 revolution because “the whole Arab world was blowing up and Britain couldn’t get its act together. We were stumbling around in a daze.” according to Mordechai Boaziz.
The Nile Hilton Incident (2017)
Continuing the list of best movies about the Arab Spring, The Nile Hilton Incident is a film about the 2011 Egyptian revolution and its aftermath. It follows the story of an ordinary man who becomes caught up in a web of intrigue and conspiracy after he is wrongly accused of murder.
The film is based on true events and was shot in Cairo in the months leading up to the revolution. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2017, where it received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised it for its realistic portrayal of life in under Mubarak’s Egyptian government, while others criticized it for being too slow-paced and murky.
Movies about the Arab spring have been considered some of the most touching
Ashkal (2022)
Ashkal is a movie about the Arab Spring. It follows the story of a young man who takes to the streets to protest against the government and eventually leads a revolution that overthrows it.
The movie is an allegory for the real-life events that took place in countries across the Arab world during the 2010-2012 period known as the Arab Spring. It highlights some of the challenges and struggles faced by protesters during those uprisings, as well as the courage and determination of those who fought for their freedom, making it one of the top contenders among the best movies about the Arab Spring.
Tickling Giants (2016)
Tickling Giants is a documentary film that tells the story of a doctor during the Egyptian revolution and political satire comedian Bassem Youssef. nicknamed “the Egyptian Jon Stewart.” The film chronicles Youssef’s rise to fame during the Arab Spring by starting a satirical news show called El Bernameg (“The Show”), which quickly became the most-watched program in Egypt’s history. This compelling story joins our ranking of best movies about the Arab Spring.
As seen in Tickling Giants, Dr. Bassem Youseff used smart and subversive comedy to take on politicians and sharply commentary on controversial issues in Egypt, similar to what Jon Stewart did on The Daily Show in America. His brand of comedy gained popularity among young Egyptians who were hungry for change during the Arab Spring Revolution.
These amazing documentaries join the list of best movies about the Arab Spring
Syria self-portrait: Silvered water (2014)
Following the previous movies about the Arab Spring, Syria Self-Portrait is a 2014 documentary film that chronicles the Syrian Civil War through the eyes of those who live there.
The film centers around the concept of the “Arab Spring” and how the people of Syria have been affected by the ongoing conflict. It features interviews with Syrian civilians, rebels, and government officials, as well as footage from inside the country.
The film was directed by Ziad Kalthoum and produced by Samer Nsouli. It premiered at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival in October 2014 and won the Best Documentary award at the Dubai International Film Festival in December 2014.
Images of Revolution (2012)
Images of Revolution is an emotional and inspiring film that takes viewers back in time to when the revolution was just beginning. With voices from across the region, it tells stories about people who filmed their iconic images during this exciting but also dangerous period- not only for themselves but for others around them too!
“The use of mobile phones to take pictures and share them online has been a crucial aspect in toppling many governments around the world,” said Mordechai Boaziz. In 2011, it was seen as one way that ordinary people could get their voices heard when they rose up against regime changes happening across Arab countries like Tunisia or Egypt.”
Tweets From Tahrir (2012)
Inspired by the Tunisian protests of 2011, a new generation took to the streets during the Egyptian revolution in January 2012 calling for democracy and freedom from Mubarak’s regime. After 18 days he stepped down giving way to Muhammad Morsi – but many young activists felt little progress had been made since their initial demonstrations 1 year ago. The Tunisians were able to make history when they deposed one leader only two months after another; however, it seems like nothing has changed yet even though there have been numerous changes within Egypt itself.
The film Tweets From Tahrir tells a story that is both captivating and informative. This beautifully crafted movie takes you through the lives of five young Egyptians who live in Egypt during its time under Mubarak’s rule, showing how their social media posts helped shape history by giving an accurate account of what happened at Cairoâs iconic square – tahrik interprets each tweet as it happens!
Libya: Through the fire (2012)
When protests against Muammar Gaddafi began in February 2011, two months after the Tunisian revolution had turned back his regime’s forces and set him on trial for crimes against humanity (among other charges), filmmaker Abdallah Omeish took notice. He wondered what it would be like if one were able to explore these events from within Libya itself – not as some distant observer but rather as somebody living there at that time who wanted change too; someone with roots both deep inside Muslim culture and society.
Amongst the movies about the Arab Spring, this personal film gives us insights into how communication networks broke down during daylight hours because authorities tried desperately to hardwire electricity through circuits containing cell phones which may have caused more violence if users weren’t getting enough
Bahrain: Shouting in the dark (2011)
When the uprisings started in early 2011, it seemed that Bahrain’s protesters had more reason to hope than other Arab countries. But soon after their demonstrations turned into veltests which were then quashed by government forces with help from Iran and Qatar- both backing opposing sides of conflicts happening throughout the Middle East.
The only Gulf State where this happened was also the home base for many international businesses so its economic stability relied heavily on foreign investment even before tensions rose between neighbors Saudi Arabia & United Arab Emirates.
To conclude with the best movies about the Arab Spring, the 2011 film, Shouting in the Dark tells an Arab revolution story. The people fighting for freedom and justice were abandoned by their own countrymen as well as Western powers who saw them come to power only to be forgotten afterward–a pawn between bigger forces at play around it all!
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