Cinema
All topics-
The filming of Rumi
Everybody's darling
A Hollywood film project and a joint attempt by Iran and Turkey to register the principal works of the poet Rumi with the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list have recently caused political turmoil, above all, in Afghanistan. By Waslat Hasrat-Nazimi
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Silent and moving images from Abbas Kiarostami
Abbas Kiarostami was a globally renowned film maker and photographer from Iran. His work was recognised at numerous international festivals.
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Obituary: the Iranian film director Abbas Kiarostami
Pioneering spirit
Acutely aware of the never-ending potential of the silver screen: the Iranian film directorr Abbas Kiarostami is dead. By Ekkehard Knorer
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Karama-Gaza Human Rights Film Festival
Roll out the red carpet!
Every year, amid the rubble of Gaza City, a film festival takes place. Co-founder, organiser and film producer Khalil al-Mozayen is willing to risk provoking the wrath of Hamas's moral guardians to make sure his festival goes ahead. By Peter Munch
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Interview with documentary maker Nagieb Khaja
″Believe in the importance of your work″
Documentary maker Danish-Afghan journalist Nagieb Khaja regularly reports from the crisis regions of the world. His work is frequently to be found on media outlets such as VICE or Al Jazeera. He talked to Emran Feroz about his dangerous experiences and what motivates him to keep going
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Paul Refsdal′s documentary ″Dugma – The Button″
Push the button for Paradise
″Dugma″, a documentary by Norwegian director and war reporter Paul Refsdal provides an insight into the psychology of young jihadist suicide bombers fighting the Assad regime. Interview by Philipp Jedicke
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Dina Hamza′s documentary film "Gaye El Zaman"
A daughter's tribute
Egyptian director Dina Hamza's latest documentary film "Gaye El Zaman" (The Past Will Return) is a project very close to her heart. Her late father, who died in 2010, was a prolific songwriter for over four generations, with many of his compositions remaining popular to this day – including 37 songs he wrote in memory of music legend Abdel Halim Hafez. By Sherif Abdel Samad
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Interview with Israeli film director Elite Zexer
"Sufat Chol" and the Bedouin brides
In her debut feature film "Sufat Chol" (Sand Storm), which was awarded the World Cinema Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, Israeli director Elite Zexer tells the story of Bedouin women struggling to change the unchangeable rules, each in her own individual way. Interview by Igal Avidan
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Iranian feature film "Lantouri"
A society in close-up
Iranian film director Reze Dormishian's third film is a powerfully articulated indictment of some of his country's more dubious and controversial practices, such as the execution of children and adolescents, horrific acid attacks and retributive justice. By Rene Wildangel
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Berlinale 2016: Interview with Saudi director Mahmoud Sabbagh
″Testing the water... to make a change"
Newcomer Mahmoud Sabbagh′s offering is pacy, anarchic and – unexpectedly for Saudi Arabia – a romantic comedy. A love story set against the vibrant youth culture of Jeddah, ″Barakah meets Barakah″ presents a new generation of social media-savvy Saudis and their very real expectations. Rene Wildangel met and interviewed Mahmoud Sabbagh at the Berlinale
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Berlinale 2016: "Fire at Sea" (Fuocoammare) film trailer
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Germany′s Berlinale
Where film meets reality
As refugees have dominated the news in recent months, Berlin's International Film Festival is also focusing on their stories. It's not just a politically correct trend: the event's social commitment has deep roots. By Jochen Kurten