Arabic cinema is a gateway to diverse cultures, histories, and social issues spanning numerous countries and contexts. From war-torn regions to everyday struggles, these films offer stories that resonate universally while also shedding light on distinct cultural realities. Whether you are looking to enhance language instruction, foster global awareness, or spark meaningful class discussions, each of these movies can be a powerful educational resource.
Capernaum
Capernaum is an award-winning exploration of childhood adversity set in the slums of Beirut. It follows 12-year-old Zain, who endures extreme poverty and neglect, culminating in his decision to sue his parents for bringing him into such a life. This film is notable for it's documentary-like realism, moving through bustling city streets and cramped living conditions, capturing the daily struggles of children on the margins of society.
Why it’s good for classes and libraries: Best suited for high school students and older, Capernaum prompts critical conversations about poverty, child rights, and structural inequities in the Middle East. Its intense subject matter deals with topics such as child labor, exploitation, and the cycle of poverty. Educators can facilitate meaningful discussions on social justice, the significance of empathy, and the power of community efforts to address generational suffering.
Get your copy of Capernaum on DVD here.
Alam
Alam centers on a group of Palestinian teenagers living in Israel as they navigate the challenges of adolescence against the backdrop of political and cultural tensions. The story focuses on Tamer, a high schooler who becomes increasingly aware of his Palestinian identity after befriending Maysaa, a new student who introduces him to activism. As the group prepares to stage a silent protest during Israeli Independence Day, Tamer finds himself grappling with questions of resistance, belonging, and moral courage.
Why it’s good for classes and libraries: Suitable for high school audiences and above, it prompts conversations about youth agency, the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the ways in which education, media, and tradition shape the identities of young citizens. Educators might pair the film with lessons in modern Middle East history or comparative studies on civil rights and minority experiences worldwide.
Get your copy of Alam on DVD here.
For Sama
For Sama is an intimate documentary set in war-ravaged Aleppo. Filmed over five years, it chronicles Waad’s personal journey where she falls in love, gets married, and becomes a mother, all amid the Syrian conflict. The camera never shies away from the stark realities of living in a besieged city, capturing emotional moments of loss, survival, and hope. Through her unfiltered lens, Waad shows the world the atrocities of war, alongside poignant scenes of everyday life and resilience.
Why it’s good for classes and libraries: Recommended for mature high school students and older, For Sama offers profound discussions on the ethics of journalism, the psychological impact of conflict, and the complexities of humanitarian crises. By focusing on Waad’s role as both mother and citizen journalist, the film highlights the struggle of maintaining normalcy amid chaos. In classrooms, it can be a catalyst for debates on war reporting, media coverage, and the broader geopolitical factors that shape regional conflicts.
Get your copy of For Sama on DVD here.
1982
1982 is set at a Christian private school in the outskirts of Beirut during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. While war looms large in the background, the film focuses on 11-year-old Wissam, who is fixated on confessing his feelings to a classmate. The convergence of personal desire and national crisis highlights the tension between childhood innocence and the harsh impact of geopolitics. As teachers and students contend with a looming threat, the film masterfully captures the pervasive anxiety that gradually pierces the seemingly ordinary routines of school life.
Why it’s good for classes and libraries: Suitable for middle and high school students, 1982 offers a nuanced portrayal of how war seeps into daily life and shapes children’s emotional landscapes. Educators can use the film to discuss how political turmoil affects youth, the significance of education as a refuge, and the resilience of communities under strain. The gentle tone provides an accessible approach to understanding one of many conflicts that have shaped modern Lebanon.
Stream 1982 on Prime Video here.
Under The Fig Trees
Under the Fig Trees offers an intimate slice-of-life portrayal of Tunisian farmworkers as they gather figs over the course of one summer day. Focusing on the small yet significant moments shared among women and men in the orchards, the film delicately reveals personal hopes, tensions, flirtations, and conflicts. The natural setting underscores the simplicity of rural life while also showcasing the subtle power dynamics that arise around class, gender, and generational differences.
Why it’s good for classes and libraries: Appropriate for high school and older audiences, Under the Fig Trees provides a valuable lens for exploring themes such as gender roles, generational divides, and the socioeconomic challenges faced by rural workers.
Get your copy of Under The Fig Trees on DVD here.
Bab'Aziz
Bab’Aziz is a poetic, visually stunning journey across a vast desert, centered on a blind dervish and his granddaughter, Ishtar, who are searching for a gathering of fellow dervishes. Along the way, they encounter wanderers, storytellers, and spiritual seekers, each bringing a piece of wisdom or a fable that enriches their quest. Drawing on Sufi traditions, the film deftly blends mysticism with a celebration of oral storytelling and Islamic culture.
Why it’s good for classes and libraries: Gentle in tone and replete with spiritual symbolism, Bab’Aziz is suitable for middle school and older students, although the film’s pacing and allegorical nature might appeal more to those with a patient eye for contemplative storytelling. Classroom discussions can delve into Sufi philosophy, the role of the desert in Middle Eastern literature, and the universal search for faith and purpose. The movie also opens avenues for exploring how cultural narratives evolve over time and across regions.
Stream Bab'Aziz on Prime Video here.
Adam
Adam is a moving and intimate portrait of two women brought together by circumstance in Casablanca. Abla, a widowed baker raising her young daughter, reluctantly offers shelter to Samia, a pregnant young woman with nowhere else to go. As their relationship deepens, they challenge one another’s perspectives on love, motherhood, and self-reliance. Through understated performances and a warm visual style, the film explores themes of female solidarity, societal judgment, and personal transformation.
Why it’s good for classes and libraries: Adam is suitable for high school students and older, offering an excellent opportunity to discuss gender roles, cultural expectations, and the ways in which women navigate societal pressures. Educators might use the film to explore the nuances of personal agency and the stigma surrounding unwed mothers. This quiet yet deeply emotional story offers a universal lens on the strength found in unexpected connections.
Stream Adam on Prime Video here.
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