GFF: The Idol (Ya tayr el tayer)

The Idol is that rare creature – a joyous, heartwarming story from Gaza. Oscar-nominated director Hany Abu-Assad (Paradise Now, Omar) was among the millions enthralled by the 2013 season of Arab Idol in which underdog wedding singer Mohammad Assaf from Gaza emerged triumphant. The Idol is a dramatised account of his life as ten year-old Mohammad (Qais Atallah) and his tomboy sister Nour (Hiba Atallah) share a passion for music that fills them with an impossible dream of forming their own band. Nour pushes her brother to fight against the misery, hardship and oppression of daily life in Gaza and share his talent with the world.

(film also screens Sat 27 Feb, 1:15pm)