Joseph Fahim
@josephfahim.bsky.social
I do a whole bunch of things in cinema as my overlong futile search for home drags on.
Pinned
Joseph Fahim
@josephfahim.bsky.social
· May 16
Cairo Station
Youssef Chahine established his international reputation with this masterpiece, which, though initially a commercial failure in Egypt, would become one of the most influential and celebrated works in ...
www.criterion.com
News is finally out. Ladies and gentlemen, the very first Egyptian film in @criterion.bsky.social
And for the first time, the restored version of Cairo as Seen by Chahine.
Honoured to have two video interviews on the disc, along with the accompanying essay.
www.criterion.com/films/32722-...
And for the first time, the restored version of Cairo as Seen by Chahine.
Honoured to have two video interviews on the disc, along with the accompanying essay.
www.criterion.com/films/32722-...
Missing from most worst films of 2025 lists is Lotfy Nathan’s The Carpenter’s Son, yet another catastrophic attempt by Middle Eastern filmmakers to crack Hollywood.
December 26, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Missing from most worst films of 2025 lists is Lotfy Nathan’s The Carpenter’s Son, yet another catastrophic attempt by Middle Eastern filmmakers to crack Hollywood.
Reposted by Joseph Fahim
Such a great interview and profile.
Rest in power, Mohammad Bakri.
Rest in power, Mohammad Bakri.
December 24, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Such a great interview and profile.
Rest in power, Mohammad Bakri.
Rest in power, Mohammad Bakri.
And so fate would have it that, a few months before his passing, I spoke with him for BFI in the most emotional interview I conducted this year.
RIP the great Mohammad Bakri. Palestinian and Arab culture is gonna be significantly poorer without you.
www.bfi.org.uk/interviews/q...
RIP the great Mohammad Bakri. Palestinian and Arab culture is gonna be significantly poorer without you.
www.bfi.org.uk/interviews/q...
The quiet Palestinian: actor-director Mohammad Bakri on his life and work
Mohammad Bakri is one of the founding fathers of Palestinian cinema, with four of his sons now actors too. He tells us about growing up with a cinema but no electricity, the burden of playing Palestin...
www.bfi.org.uk
December 24, 2025 at 6:06 PM
And so fate would have it that, a few months before his passing, I spoke with him for BFI in the most emotional interview I conducted this year.
RIP the great Mohammad Bakri. Palestinian and Arab culture is gonna be significantly poorer without you.
www.bfi.org.uk/interviews/q...
RIP the great Mohammad Bakri. Palestinian and Arab culture is gonna be significantly poorer without you.
www.bfi.org.uk/interviews/q...
Excellent, illuminating read on Iran's state-sponsored film festival Fajr and the fluctuating position of filmmakers towards the conditional public funding.
In Arabic.
raseef22.net/article/1101...
In Arabic.
raseef22.net/article/1101...
هل المهرجانات السينمائية ملك للشعب أم للحكومة؟… إجابة إيرانية - رصيف22
تشهد السينما الإيرانية توتراً بين الاستقلالية والرقابة، حيث يسعى الفنانون جاهدين للحفاظ على هويتهم الثقافية وسط القيود الحكومية. بين قرار المشاركة أو المقاطعة، يجد السينمائيون أنفسهم أمام تحديات اقتصا...
https://raseef22.net/article/1101353-هل-المهرجانات-السينمائية-ملك-للشعب-أم-للحكومة-إجابة-إيرانية
December 23, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Excellent, illuminating read on Iran's state-sponsored film festival Fajr and the fluctuating position of filmmakers towards the conditional public funding.
In Arabic.
raseef22.net/article/1101...
In Arabic.
raseef22.net/article/1101...
One of the most underrated rockers of the '90ies. Road to Hell and The Blue Cafes are forgotten masterpieces.
RIP #ChrisRea
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCQ0...
RIP #ChrisRea
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCQ0...
Chris Rea - The Blue Cafe (Official Music Video)
YouTube video by Chris Rea
www.youtube.com
December 23, 2025 at 10:03 AM
One of the most underrated rockers of the '90ies. Road to Hell and The Blue Cafes are forgotten masterpieces.
RIP #ChrisRea
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCQ0...
RIP #ChrisRea
www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCQ0...
For the latest issue of @IEMed's Afkar magazine, I wrote about how the aftermath of October 7 was translated into a prickly cinematic war in which the ethics of representation are constantly called into question.
Only in Spanish.
www.politicaexterior.com/articulo/la-...
Only in Spanish.
www.politicaexterior.com/articulo/la-...
La guerra en la pantalla | Política Exterior
Por primera vez desde la Nakba, Palestina parece estar ganando la guerra en la pantalla. Pero surgen cuestiones éticas, ya sea sobre la moralidad de la representación o la inmoralidad de la omisión.
www.politicaexterior.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:49 PM
For the latest issue of @IEMed's Afkar magazine, I wrote about how the aftermath of October 7 was translated into a prickly cinematic war in which the ethics of representation are constantly called into question.
Only in Spanish.
www.politicaexterior.com/articulo/la-...
Only in Spanish.
www.politicaexterior.com/articulo/la-...
In my monthly column, "Cinema, Etcetera," I finally gathered all my thoughts to write about "The Voice of Hind Rajab."
I realise the floodgates of hell will open up on me because of this, but the intention of the piece is to invite a different conversation (Contid)
I realise the floodgates of hell will open up on me because of this, but the intention of the piece is to invite a different conversation (Contid)
December 18, 2025 at 8:32 PM
In my monthly column, "Cinema, Etcetera," I finally gathered all my thoughts to write about "The Voice of Hind Rajab."
I realise the floodgates of hell will open up on me because of this, but the intention of the piece is to invite a different conversation (Contid)
I realise the floodgates of hell will open up on me because of this, but the intention of the piece is to invite a different conversation (Contid)
Reposted by Joseph Fahim
Trump's statement about Rob Reiner shows the depth of his trench.
USA, you elected someone who has no idea how to be a decent human being.
Trump is destroying your humanity.
USA, you elected someone who has no idea how to be a decent human being.
Trump is destroying your humanity.
December 15, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Trump's statement about Rob Reiner shows the depth of his trench.
USA, you elected someone who has no idea how to be a decent human being.
Trump is destroying your humanity.
USA, you elected someone who has no idea how to be a decent human being.
Trump is destroying your humanity.
I said some things about "The Voice of Hind Rajab" to @vulture.com.
More in my monthly column later this month.
www.vulture.com/article/the-...
More in my monthly column later this month.
www.vulture.com/article/the-...
‘Will You Come and Get Me?’
Inside The Voice of Hind Rajab, the divisive festival hit that reenacts the 5-year-old’s call to emergency dispatchers in Gaza before she was killed.
www.vulture.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:13 PM
I said some things about "The Voice of Hind Rajab" to @vulture.com.
More in my monthly column later this month.
www.vulture.com/article/the-...
More in my monthly column later this month.
www.vulture.com/article/the-...
To mark my new Al Bustan Seeds of Culture column, "Cinema, Etcetera", monthly film screenings of the latest and finest and most daring Arab cinema will commence this month in our headquarters in South Kensington.
December 3, 2025 at 2:58 PM
To mark my new Al Bustan Seeds of Culture column, "Cinema, Etcetera", monthly film screenings of the latest and finest and most daring Arab cinema will commence this month in our headquarters in South Kensington.
Reposted by Joseph Fahim
In my latest Al Bustan Seeds of Culture column, I explore why an Arab-American cinema never materialized and examine the dominant Sunni–Muslim–heterosexual–male gaze that continues to shape the works made by diasporic Arabs in the U.S.
www.albustanseeds.org/news/whereis...
www.albustanseeds.org/news/whereis...
Cinema, Etcetera | Where is the Arab American Film Wave? — Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture
By Joseph Fahim The cornerstone of works by diaspora filmmakers is identity and alienation, and intricate community dynamics in relation to diverse American environments. In the scant body of work...
www.albustanseeds.org
November 29, 2025 at 5:35 PM
In my latest Al Bustan Seeds of Culture column, I explore why an Arab-American cinema never materialized and examine the dominant Sunni–Muslim–heterosexual–male gaze that continues to shape the works made by diasporic Arabs in the U.S.
www.albustanseeds.org/news/whereis...
www.albustanseeds.org/news/whereis...
In my latest Al Bustan Seeds of Culture column, I explore why an Arab-American cinema never materialized and examine the dominant Sunni–Muslim–heterosexual–male gaze that continues to shape the works made by diasporic Arabs in the U.S.
www.albustanseeds.org/news/whereis...
www.albustanseeds.org/news/whereis...
Cinema, Etcetera | Where is the Arab American Film Wave? — Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture
By Joseph Fahim The cornerstone of works by diaspora filmmakers is identity and alienation, and intricate community dynamics in relation to diverse American environments. In the scant body of work...
www.albustanseeds.org
November 29, 2025 at 5:35 PM
In my latest Al Bustan Seeds of Culture column, I explore why an Arab-American cinema never materialized and examine the dominant Sunni–Muslim–heterosexual–male gaze that continues to shape the works made by diasporic Arabs in the U.S.
www.albustanseeds.org/news/whereis...
www.albustanseeds.org/news/whereis...
To mark BFI’s current season of melodramas, I wrote about how Egypt’s storied tradition of melodramas reflected the spirit of a nation seldom in control of its own destiny, while also serving as a vehicle for championing women’s emancipation.
www.bfi.org.uk/features/aro...
www.bfi.org.uk/features/aro...
Around the world in melodrama: 9 countries, 45 essential films
From Hollywood tearjerkers to Chinese tales of passion and loss, melodrama has shaped cinema across cultures. Our trip around the globe explores how filmmakers worldwide have embraced heightened emoti...
www.bfi.org.uk
November 26, 2025 at 12:33 PM
To mark BFI’s current season of melodramas, I wrote about how Egypt’s storied tradition of melodramas reflected the spirit of a nation seldom in control of its own destiny, while also serving as a vehicle for championing women’s emancipation.
www.bfi.org.uk/features/aro...
www.bfi.org.uk/features/aro...
On Bassem Youssef's unceremonious return to Egyptian TV, the morally flawed logic behind his defence of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and the asymmetrical relationship between two cultures fighting for more freedoms.
My latest. For @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social
www.middleeasteye.net/discover/bas...
My latest. For @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social
www.middleeasteye.net/discover/bas...
Knowing the limits: Bassem Youssef makes a ‘safe’ return to Egyptian TV screens
The vaunted return of the comic to Egyptian TV brought hope for beleaguered Arab audiences but it appeared that some topics were off limits
www.middleeasteye.net
November 15, 2025 at 1:24 PM
On Bassem Youssef's unceremonious return to Egyptian TV, the morally flawed logic behind his defence of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and the asymmetrical relationship between two cultures fighting for more freedoms.
My latest. For @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social
www.middleeasteye.net/discover/bas...
My latest. For @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social
www.middleeasteye.net/discover/bas...
Lotfy Nathan's heart-wrenching Tunisian 'Harka' showed so much potential.
But of course he had to go to Hollywood and churn out this piece of utter abomination.
The track record of Arab filmmakers in Hollywood continues to be dismal.
youtu.be/6wb7ctqNSfs?...
But of course he had to go to Hollywood and churn out this piece of utter abomination.
The track record of Arab filmmakers in Hollywood continues to be dismal.
youtu.be/6wb7ctqNSfs?...
The Carpenter's Son Trailer #1 (2025)
YouTube video by Rotten Tomatoes Trailers
youtu.be
November 12, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Lotfy Nathan's heart-wrenching Tunisian 'Harka' showed so much potential.
But of course he had to go to Hollywood and churn out this piece of utter abomination.
The track record of Arab filmmakers in Hollywood continues to be dismal.
youtu.be/6wb7ctqNSfs?...
But of course he had to go to Hollywood and churn out this piece of utter abomination.
The track record of Arab filmmakers in Hollywood continues to be dismal.
youtu.be/6wb7ctqNSfs?...
Reposted by Joseph Fahim
Fuck this fucking coward, I hope he gets crushed in a primary by a Palestinian bodega owner from Bay Ridge
Q: It's election day in NYC. Did you vote for Mamdani or Cuomo?
Schumer: "Look, I voted, and I look forward to working with the next mayor to help NYC."
Schumer: "Look, I voted, and I look forward to working with the next mayor to help NYC."
November 5, 2025 at 2:23 AM
Fuck this fucking coward, I hope he gets crushed in a primary by a Palestinian bodega owner from Bay Ridge
Wrote about the Arab films featured in fall fest season, including Yanis Koussim's brilliantly unhinged Algerian horror 'Roqia' and Said Zagha's daring Palestinian thriller 'Coyotes,' winner of best short at #LFF2025
For @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social
www.middleeasteye.net/discover/roq...
For @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social
www.middleeasteye.net/discover/roq...
From Roqia to Coyotes: The movies to watch out for this winter
One of the scariest Algerian horror movies ever made, a Sudanese coming-of-age drama, an Iranian comedy about censorship, and a subversive Palestinian short film
www.middleeasteye.net
October 27, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Wrote about the Arab films featured in fall fest season, including Yanis Koussim's brilliantly unhinged Algerian horror 'Roqia' and Said Zagha's daring Palestinian thriller 'Coyotes,' winner of best short at #LFF2025
For @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social
www.middleeasteye.net/discover/roq...
For @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social
www.middleeasteye.net/discover/roq...
Reposted by Joseph Fahim
Some thoughts on 'One Battle After Another' for my monthly column for Al Bustan Seeds of Culture while asking the question that hasn't left me since watching the picture: Where did all the angry, insubordinate Arab films go?
www.albustanseeds.org/news/arabcin...
www.albustanseeds.org/news/arabcin...
Cinema, Etcetera | “One Battle After Another” and the Vanishing of Revolutionary Arab Cinema — Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture
By Joseph Fahim “One Battle After Another” is not just about the U.S. — it’s a fable about the failure of the left worldwide. And for the Arab viewer, it’s impossible to watch the film without dra...
www.albustanseeds.org
October 21, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Some thoughts on 'One Battle After Another' for my monthly column for Al Bustan Seeds of Culture while asking the question that hasn't left me since watching the picture: Where did all the angry, insubordinate Arab films go?
www.albustanseeds.org/news/arabcin...
www.albustanseeds.org/news/arabcin...
Thrilled and honoured to have written the essay for the
@criterion.bsky.social's release of Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina's masterwork 'Chronicle of the Year of Fire', the sole Arab and African Palme d'Or winner.
A big thank you to my wonderful editor Imogen Sara Smith.
Out on January 20, 2026.
@criterion.bsky.social's release of Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina's masterwork 'Chronicle of the Year of Fire', the sole Arab and African Palme d'Or winner.
A big thank you to my wonderful editor Imogen Sara Smith.
Out on January 20, 2026.
October 15, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Thrilled and honoured to have written the essay for the
@criterion.bsky.social's release of Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina's masterwork 'Chronicle of the Year of Fire', the sole Arab and African Palme d'Or winner.
A big thank you to my wonderful editor Imogen Sara Smith.
Out on January 20, 2026.
@criterion.bsky.social's release of Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina's masterwork 'Chronicle of the Year of Fire', the sole Arab and African Palme d'Or winner.
A big thank you to my wonderful editor Imogen Sara Smith.
Out on January 20, 2026.
My @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social piece on how October 7 and #Gaza forever changed Hollywood's relationship to Israel and the Palestinian narrative, translated into Portuguese by @portaldesacato.bsky.social.
desacato.info/como-israel-...
desacato.info/como-israel-...
Como Israel perdeu Hollywood: a mudança da face da arte ocidental na Palestina
Por Joseph Fahim. Nos dois anos desde 7 de outubro de 2023, o vídeo mais arrepiante e perturbador que encontrei não estava diretamente relacionado aos horrores em Gaza; de crianças famintas ou memb…
desacato.info
October 15, 2025 at 3:22 PM
My @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social piece on how October 7 and #Gaza forever changed Hollywood's relationship to Israel and the Palestinian narrative, translated into Portuguese by @portaldesacato.bsky.social.
desacato.info/como-israel-...
desacato.info/como-israel-...
My @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social piece on how October 7 and #Gaza forever changed Hollywood's relationship to Israel and the Palestinian narrative, translated into Turkish by @gazeteoksijen.com.
gazeteoksijen.com/o2/hollywood...
gazeteoksijen.com/o2/hollywood...
Hollywood’un yönü değişiyor: Middle East Eye’a göre Batı sanatı Filistin’e dönüyor
Gazete Oksijen
gazeteoksijen.com
October 13, 2025 at 2:58 PM
My @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social piece on how October 7 and #Gaza forever changed Hollywood's relationship to Israel and the Palestinian narrative, translated into Turkish by @gazeteoksijen.com.
gazeteoksijen.com/o2/hollywood...
gazeteoksijen.com/o2/hollywood...
As the ceasefire finally comes into effect,I wrote about how October 7 and Gaza changed Hollywood's relationship to Israel and the Palestinian narrative while also raising questions about the ethics of funding.
My latest. For @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social
www.middleeasteye.net/discover/how...
My latest. For @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social
www.middleeasteye.net/discover/how...
How Israel lost Hollywood: The changing face of western art on Palestine
The genocide in Gaza and consequent growth of the Palestinian solidarity movement forced creatives to notice the elephant in the room
www.middleeasteye.net
October 10, 2025 at 1:39 PM
As the ceasefire finally comes into effect,I wrote about how October 7 and Gaza changed Hollywood's relationship to Israel and the Palestinian narrative while also raising questions about the ethics of funding.
My latest. For @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social
www.middleeasteye.net/discover/how...
My latest. For @middleeasteye-rss.bsky.social
www.middleeasteye.net/discover/how...