Arab Films and Where to Find Them!

The White Helmets

Orlando von Einsiedel

2016 United Kingdom

As daily airstrikes pound civilian targets in Syria, a group of indomitable first responders risk their lives to rescue victims from the rubble. In this snapshot of both the harrowing realities of life for ordinary Syrians who remain in the country and the power of the human spirit, the White Helmets put everything on the line to protect their communities.

Available on Netflix

Six Windows in the Desert

2020-2020 Saudi Arabia

With genres ranging from a surrealist abstract piece to science fiction and topics concerning various social issues like racism, extremism, and the human psyche, this collection of shorts from Saudi filmmakers depicts the nuances of Saudi Arabian culture.

Available on Netflix

Dry Hot Summers

Sherif El Bendary

2016 Egypt, Germany

Two lonely people in opposite chapters of their lives accidentally meet on a busy summer day in a Cairo taxi. Frail old Shawky and bubbly young Doaa are both caught up in their busy routines as their race through the city evolves into a journey of self-discovery that reconnects them to the joys of life.

Available on realeyz

The Square

Jehane Noujaim

2013 United Kingdom, Egypt, USA

Centered in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, several young activists participate in the Egyptian Revolution. They are armed with determination, humor, social media savvy, and a passionate vision for the country’s future – but can that sustain them when dictator Hosni Mubarek’s fall proves to be only the beginning of their struggle?

Available on Netflix, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Alamo on Demand, Tubi TV, Kanopy

Wadjda

Haifaa Al-Mansour

2012 Saudi Arabia, Netherlands, Germany

Although Wadjda lives in a conservative world, she is fun loving, entrepreneurial, and always pushing the boundaries of what she can get away with. After a fight with a neighborhood boy she isn’t supposed to play with, Wadjda attempts to raise money for a bicycle so she can beat him in a race.

Available on Netflix, Apple iTunes, Vudu, Amazon Video, Microsoft Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, DIRECTV

Excuse my French

Amr Salama

2014 Egypt

After a family tragedy, Hany tries to fit in at a new public school. Not wanting to be bullied for being from a different social class and religious background than his classmates, Hany pretends to be Muslim to deal with the chaotic, unfamiliar environment.

Available on Amazon Video

El Dealer

Ahmed Saleh

2010 Egypt

Destiny unites two longtime enemies after years apart. Although both have become prominent drug dealers, they still share one thing: love for the same woman.

Available on Netflix, Apple iTunes