Watch Looking For Oum Kulthum

Looking For Oum Kulthum is a 2017 film that tells the story of the artistic journey of the iconic Egyptian singer, Oum Kulthum. Directed by Shirin Neshat, the movie explores the personal and professional struggles faced by the legendary singer during her career. The movie stars Neda Rahmanian, Yasmin Raeis, and Mehdi Moinzadeh in lead roles.

The film opens with a contemporary female filmmaker who struggles to make a film about Oum Kulthum. She faces several challenges, including funding, creative blocks, and the language barrier. Despite her challenges, she is determined to make a film that honors the life and legacy of Oum Kulthum. As she delves deeper into the singer’s history, she learns about the complexities of her life and career.

The story of Oum Kulthum is narrated through a series of flashbacks. The viewers are transported to early 20th century Egypt, where a young girl named Fouzia is discovered by a famous singer, Sheikh Abu Elila. He recognizes her talent and takes her under his wing, providing her with the necessary training and foundation to pursue a career in singing. Fouzia takes on the name Oum Kulthum and rises to fame as one of the greatest Arab singers of all time.

The movie explores the challenges faced by women in the music industry during the 20th century. Oum Kulthum’s success did not come easy, as she had to overcome significant barriers to achieve her goals. She faced ridicule and criticism from society for daring to pursue a career in music. However, her passion and perseverance paid off, and she became a household name in Egypt and beyond.

Towards the end of her career, Oum Kulthum began to face personal challenges that affected her ability to perform. The movie explores her struggles with illness and her desperate attempts to maintain her dignified image even as her health declined. The film highlights her enduring legacy and how she continues to inspire women around the world with her music and message of resilience.

The film’s cinematography is strikingly beautiful, with a stark contrast between the contemporary and historical scenes. The lighting and color schemes perfectly capture the mood of the movie, bringing to life the feelings of despair and hope that permeate the story of Oum Kulthum.

The lead actresses, Neda Rahmanian and Yasmin Raeis, deliver captivating performances, bringing to life the complexities of the female experience. They capture the range of emotions that Oum Kulthum experienced, from the highs of success to the lows of disappointment and illness.

Overall, Looking For Oum Kulthum is a visually stunning film that tells a moving story about the struggles and achievements of Oum Kulthum. The movie reminds us that sometimes it takes passion, perseverance, and resilience to achieve our dreams, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The film is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest Arab singers of all time and a reminder of the enduring legacy of her music.