Watch Sand Storm

Sand Storm is a 2016 Israeli drama film directed by Elite Zexer. The film follows the story of a Bedouin family residing in a remote desert village in southern Israel. The film explores the complicated social and cultural dynamics that shape the lives of the Bedouin community while raising critical questions about gender, tradition, and societal norms.

The central characters of the film are Layla, a young and independent-minded girl, and her mother Jalila, who embodies the traditional values of the Bedouin tribe. Layla is in a secret relationship with a man named Anwar, who is from a rival tribe, a fact that goes against the customs of her community. Meanwhile, Jalila faces her own challenges as she struggles to preserve her family's honor and maintain the rules of the tribe.

As the preparations for Layla's marriage ceremony progresses, tensions between the family members escalate, and long-held secrets are revealed. Layla's relationship with Anwar becomes public, leading to consequences for both families. Jalila, who had always been in control of her family, finds herself powerless as she tries to protect her daughter's honor and restore the tribe's authority.

The cinematography of Sand Storm is breathtaking, capturing the vastness of the desert and the isolation of the village with a stunning precision. The film's visual style emphasizes the minimalistic lives of the Bedouin as they struggle to navigate tradition and modernity.

The performances from the cast, particularly from Lamis Ammar as Layla and Ruba Blal as Jalila, are superb. Lamis Ammar imbues Layla with a rebellious spirit and a sense of determination that makes her a sympathetic character, even in the face of adversity. Ruba Blal, on the other hand, delivers a poignant performance as Jalila, capturing the viewer's sympathy as she struggles to reconcile her traditional values with her desire to protect her daughter.

The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy, using the sounds of the desert to underpin the film's dramatic tension. The score by Amanda Brown is sparse and unobtrusive yet effectively conveys the film's emotional message.

Sand Storm is an important and thought-provoking film that challenges stereotypes and provides a compelling insight into life in a traditional Bedouin community. The film is a reminder that cultural values are not always in step with individual desires, and that social change can be a difficult and complicated process. The film is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of tradition, modernity, and identity, as it provides a nuanced and sensitive portrayal of the complex issues surrounding these themes.

In conclusion, Sand Storm is an outstanding film that explores the complexities of tradition, gender, and societal norms in a traditional Bedouin community. The excellent performances from the cast, stunning cinematography, and evocative soundtrack make this film a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the themes of cultural identity and social change.