Review by Joseph Anthony
Two-time Academy Award nominated director Hany Abu-Assad (PARADISE NOW, OMAR) returns with THE IDOL, a fictionalized retelling of the
true story of Mohammed Assaf, a man who went from being a Palestinian refugee
to a world renowned singer.
Two-time Academy Award nominated director Hany Abu-Assad (PARADISE NOW, OMAR) returns with THE IDOL, a fictionalized retelling of the
true story of Mohammed Assaf, a man who went from being a Palestinian refugee
to a world renowned singer.
At it’s start, THE IDOL tells the tale of two young dreamers
in a refugee camp in Gaza: a brother, Mohammed, and sister, Nour, who set out
to start a band with the hopes of one day playing in Cairo. Obtaining
instruments is the first hurdle for the musical hopefuls, but certainly not the last. Because of
Mohammed’s incredible voice, it doesn’t take long for their community to take
an interest. Their first gigs, despite parental concern, are at local weddings.
Nour (guitarist) believes they are destined for much bigger things and scoffs
at her brother and bandmates low expectations. She serves as the motivation for
her brother to work harder.
