
STRANGER THAN PARADISE
Other movies

TALES ON THE BANKS OF THE BOSPHORUS
Director: Zeina Sfeir
Stories and tales that have spread to over 150 countries worldwide, exploring themes of lost love, the foundations of life and family, and human stories devoid of "superheroes," were filmed in beautiful Turkish cities with brilliant stars who have won the hearts of viewers: this is the Turkish drama, known as "dizi." Today, the "dizi" genre is considered among the most successful series, enjoying immense popularity across the Arab world and as far away as South America and Africa. The question arises: how has an industry from a country with little foothold in distribution and filming in a minority language managed to achieve such rapid and extensive global reach? Through interviews on set with directors, producers, distributors, and stars, we uncover the secrets behind the success and behind-the-scenes stories of this drama.

ZERO
Director: Jean Luc Herbulot
In the bustling heart of Dakar, Senegal, two white Americans wake to a nightmare: bombs strapped to their chests, and they only have ten hours before they explode. With no idea who’s behind it, their only hope for survival is to listen to the instructions of a mysterious voice on the phone, forcing them to complete a series of bizarre and perilous tasks across the city. As they race against time in this twisted scavenger hunt, the vibrant streets of Dakar become a high-stakes labyrinth of survival. Darkly thrilling and filled with unexpected political commentary on colonialism and African society, this tense and exciting pulse-pounding thriller keeps you guessing until the very last second—because in this world, every move counts.

SHAFIKA AND METWALI
Director: Ali Badrakhan
Chosen by festival Honoree guest Mona Zaki, who is fascinated by the iconic Egyptian actress Souad Hosni. Drawing on a folk tale about a young man who murders his wayward sister, Ali Badrakhan gave the traditional story a new timeframe and socio-political twist, creating a work of art in the process. Metwally is a villager forced by the authorities to work as a labourer on the Suez Canal project, leaving his sister Shafiqi (Souad Hosni) alone and destitute. When he eventually returns, he discovers that his sister has succumbed to the attentions of the district chief’s son, dishonoring the family, and kills her. The original story saw him as justified, but Badrakhan gives it another twist to show both brother and sister as victims of an oppressive social system. The film was an immediate success; it remains a beloved classic.