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Al Gharib
Al Gharib (2021)
AMEER FAKHER ELDIN
In a small village, in the occupied Golan Heights, the life of a desperate unlicensed doctor, living through an existential crisis, takes another unlucky turn when he encounters a man wounded in the war in Syria. Defying all community expectations in times of war and national crisis, he ventures forth to meet his newly found destiny.
“The occupied Syrian Golan is often referred to as the forgotten occupation. More than fifty years after its occupation by Israel in 1967, the plight of the Syrian population is unknown to many. I wrote and directed the film experiencing the sounds of the war in my motherland, echoing far from behind the hills and the repulsive border with Syria. I often think where are these wars? Are they beyond the border of the occupation? Or within the borders of my native country? Al Gharib tells the story of Adnan who tries, unsuccessfully, to live a life different from the one his father wanted for him. In a way, through Adnans’ story,́ we can gaze into the souls of the victims of every patriarchal society. For me, the women in my film are the only characters that represent hope.”
— Ameer Fakher Eldin, Director
“Al Garib is one of the year’s most unsettling voyages into the heart of the human condition, and a film that leaves a mark as indelible as the scars found on many soldiers and civilians that they tend to conceal from the outside world.”
— International Cinephile Society
Al Gharib had its World Premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2021.
The country of Palestine submitted Al Gharib to be considered for The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Best International Film.
Al Gharib was also nominated for the Giornate degli Autori Award and the film won Edipo Re Award (Università degli Studi di Padova e ResInt Rete dell' Economia Sociale Internazionale).
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About Ameer Fakher Eldin
Ameer Faker Eldin is a Syrian screenwriter and director. He was born in the former Soviet Union to Syrian parents from the occupied Golan Heights. After earning his BA in Film Studies, he made several award-winning short films. Fakher Eldin serves as a jury member on various film funds. His debut film Al Gharib (“The Stranger”) is also the first feature film from the Golan Heights.
