THE DREAM OF SHAHRAZAD explores recent social and political events in Egypt, Turkey, and Lebanon using the fabled storytelling princess Shahrazad of Arabian Nights as a metaphor to explore how creativity and political articulation can stand against oppression.
Weaving together a web of music, politics, and storytelling, the film follows a series of unforgettable characters, all of whom draw their inspiration from the tales of Arabian Nights.
Crew
Screenwriter: François Verster
DOP: François Verster
Editor: François Verster
Original Title: Helm Shahrazad
Production Company(ies):
Middle West Films
Undercurrent Film and Television
Fireworx Media
Melia Films
Hakaya Regional Network
Producer(s):
Shameela Seedat Neil Brandt Wael Omar Lucas Rosant Didem Pekum Fleur Knopperts
Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival, Netherlands
Human Rights Watch Film Festival in London, UK
Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival, Egypt
Arab Film Festival, Brazil
Sunny Side of the Doc, France
Luxor African Film Festival, Egypt
Durban International Film Festival, South Africa
Avanca Film Festival, Portugal
Malmö Arab Film Festival, Sweden
South African Film and Television Awards, South Africa
Syndey Film Festival, Australia
Best Documentary in Progress Award at the Sunny Side of the Doc
Al-Husseini Abu-Deif/Artwatch Africa Award for Best Freedom Film at the Luxor African Film Festival
Best South African Documentary at the Durban International Film Festival
Best Film at the Avanca Film Festival
Certificate of Appreciation at the Malmö Arab Film Festival
Best Documentary Film and Best Directing in a Documentary at the South African Film and Television Awards