Opening the Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival is the uplifting palestinian film based on a true story, 'The Idol'.
‘Reality television’ is quite the contradiction. Once upon a time, it was a showcase of the talent among the ordinary people who surround us. But, very quickly it turned into something very far removed from the reality of its name – becoming a means for the self-absorbed and deluded to claw at the fame they feel entitled to.
One of the key elements producers search for in contestants entering contests is they need an emotional story: something to manipulate viewers into emotionally investing in contestants, whether it be the death of a parent to an ingrown toenail ‘inspiring’ them to pursue their chosen talent. The story of 'Arab Idol' 2013 winner Mohammed Assaf, however, is the kind of inspiring tale which has been so lacking in reality television and may make it relevant again, as shown in the film 'The Idol'.
Growing up in Gaza, Palestine, the realities of life for young Mohammed (Qais Atallah), his sister Nour (Hiba Atallah) and their young friends are quite hard, especially with the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel placing a heavy burden on them. Despite this, the young friends try to have fun by performing as a band; with Mohammed and his golden voice leading, and Nour providing guitar and a large amount of support for her gifted but unsure brother. Soon tragedy strikes the siblings, making Mohammed even more unsure of himself and desperate to escape. Flash-forward ten years, the older Mohammed (Tawfeek Barhom) decides to find a way of escaping Gaza for Cairo, Egypt to enter 'Arab Idol'. There are still many obstacles to overcome, but many believe in Mohammed after being won over by soulful voice.
The film is uplifting, which is quite unusual considering Oscar-nominated director Hany Abu-Assad’s prior output: 'Paradise Lost', about the journey for two Palestinians becoming suicide bombers; and 'Omar', about the betrayals from friends and Israeli forces faced by its Palestinian title-character in the pursuit of love. Completely at odds in style to his previous films, Abu-Assad has crafted a wonderful dramedy using his ever-present theme of Palestinians under pressure, but this time inserting some heartfelt humour and not as strongly political as his previous work.
Abu-Assad’s choice of casting is also inspired. Tawfeek Barhom's Mohammed’s initial lack of confidence is very true to character, becoming more confident as the narrative unfolds and coming to life during the singing scenes. Barhom also brings a high amount of emotion to the scenes set during the competition; being able to portray the pressure Mohammed is feeling to a degree where even film viewers empathise to the point of reciprocating it. High praise also goes to the young cast who dominate the first half of the film, brimming with soulfulness and cheek. The actors portraying the young Assaf siblings inject so much warmth into the film with their chemistry between each other and giving audiences a joyous feeling inside. The emotions invested in these cheeky young characters make it even more heartbreaking when tragedy strikes.
'The Idol' is an absolute delight of a film. It has turned what has become a cliché in reality television into something powerful and uplifting; something the ‘story’ segment of contest programs such as 'Idol' fails to capture without feeling manipulative. It is an amazing feat to find the heart in such a brutal place as Palestine, but 'The Idol' teaches us more about the human spirit than Simon Cowell ever could.
Five out of five shooting stars.
The Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival screens until 29 November.
