The Journey

Director: Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji
Rights:
Highlights Highlights Highlights
Iraq's official submission to the 2019 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
The film world premiered at the Contemporary World Cinema section of the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival.
The film was successfully released in Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, UAE and Lebanon.
Becoming the first Iraqi film to be commercially released in 27 years, the film marks a strong comeback for Iraqi cinema.
The film received grants from the Doha Film Institute, AFAC - The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture, World Cinema Fund, the Centre National du Cinéma et de l'image Animée (CNC), the French Institute (IF) of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, Netherlands Film Fund, SANAD Development Fund (Abu Dhabi Film Festival) and Screen Yorkshire.
The Journey Poster
2017/ Iraq - UK - France - Qatar - Netherlands82 min/ Drama, Thriller
Original Title
Al Rihla
SYNOPSIS
As Sara stands on the cusp of committing an unthinkable act, an unforeseen and awkward encounter gives her the opportunity to witness the potential consequences of her destructive action. But is this a second chance or an admission of guilt?
CAST
Zahraa Ghandour
Ameer Jbara
CREW
Screenwriter: Isabelle Stead
Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji
DOP: Saef Alden
Duraid Munajim
Editor: Mohamed Al Daradji
Pascale Chavance
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Production Company(ies)
Human Film
Iraqi Independent Film Center (IIFC)
Lionceau Films
Iraq Al-Rafidain
Iraqi Media Network
Producer(s)
Mohamed Jabarah Al-Daradji
Isabelle Stead
film festivals
Toronto International Film Festival, Canada
Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), UAE
BFI London Film Festival, UK
Busan International Film Festival, South Korea
Sudan Independent Film Festival (SIFF), Sudan
Palm Springs International Film Festival, USA
Muscat International Film Festival, Oman
Sharm El-Sheikh Film Festival, Egypt
Franco Arab Film Festival,Jordan
Oran Arabic International Film Festival, Algeria
Festival des Cinémas Arabes à Paris, France
Miami Film Festival, USA
Palestine Cinema Days, Palestine
film awards
Jury Award and Best Actress Award at the Muscat International Film Festival, Oman
The Special Jury Award at the Sharm El-Sheikh Film Festival, Egypt
Special Mention at the Oran Arabic International Film Festival, Algeria
The Grand Prize of the Arab World Institute and Best Actress Award at the Festival des Cinémas Arabes à Paris, France
Reviews

Christopher Vourlias - Variety

Deborah Young - The Hollywood Reporter

Wendy Ide - ScreenDaily

Leslie Felperin-The Guardian

Quotes
“The Journey is a tense and harrowing psychological thriller that unspools entirely within the world of the railway station and its environs.” Christopher Vourlias - Variety

“The distinguishing feature of The Journey (Al Rahal), like all the films of Iraqi-Dutch writer-director Mohamed Al-Daradji, is its sober moral perspective on the war that devastated Iraq and reduced its people to orphans, madmen and dispossessed refugees.” Deborah Young - The Hollywood Reporter

“Supreme acting elevates a humane hostage drama”Leslie Felperin-The Guardian
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