"Shadya" is a great achievement in cinema-verite narrative. The director expertly juggles three main conflicts: an Arab family living in Israel; a feminist living in a patriarchal society; and , most subtly, the rivalry of two sisters battling to be their father's favorite. This complex tale is told in only 50 minutes! The only film I can think of to compare to "Shadya" for efficiency of narrative is Dreyer's "Day of Wrath," a vastly different film in style and theme, but similar in raw power.
"Shadya" is also beautifully photographed.
This was one of the best films I saw in 2006. (It was part of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival at the Walter Reade Theater in New York's Lincoln Center.)If it happens to be running on TV, catch it. You'll be glad you did.
"Shadya" is also beautifully photographed.
This was one of the best films I saw in 2006. (It was part of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival at the Walter Reade Theater in New York's Lincoln Center.)If it happens to be running on TV, catch it. You'll be glad you did.