The Square, shortlisted for an Oscar in the documentary competition this year and winner of the 2013 Sundance audience award, is a courageous feat of filmmaking by Jehane Noujaim.
Noujaim’s documentary begins in 2011 and follows a group of young people nonviolently protesting in Tahrir Square, advocating for political change to the Mubarek regime. We see the young protesters ride their initial euphoria and victory of toppling the Mubarek regime through peaceful protest, which then turns into a painful birthing of a nation as the vacuum left by Mubarek’s departure devolves into a battle for power.
The film focuses on several protesters from 2011 to the fall of 2013, with the most compelling protester being Ahmed, who we see develop from a energetic, peaceful advocate for social change into a scared but brave protester in the wake of violent clashes, to finally, a committed and tireless crusader for political change.
The Square is the first Egyptian film to be nominated for an Oscar, but is not allowed to be officially shown in Egypt. However, this great documentary film that unfolds like a modern day Les Miserables, is now available for viewing on Netflix.
Related Posts
NYWIFT at Sundance: In Conversation with Annetta Marion
NYWIFT Advisory Board Member Annetta Marion produced Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie that is premiering at Sundance this month. The film incorporates documentary, archival and scripted elements to recount Fox’s story of personal and professional triumphs and travails in his own words. Annetta and Kathryn O'Kane spoke about the film that explores what happens when an incurable optimist confronts an incurable disease.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Rianne Pyle
Welcome to NYWIFT, Rianne Pyle! Rianne an award-winning filmmaker whose New York City upbringing greatly influences her film projects, some of which raise awareness of societal issues and focus on providing an outlet for people of color to share their stories. She spoke to us about the intersection of film and social change, her approach to documentary filmmaking, how gentrification has impacted her filmmaking as a native New Yorker.
READ MOREMeet the NYWIFT Podcast Team: Janine McGoldrick
The NYWIFT Women Crush Wednesdays Podcast Team works so hard to bring the most informative, empowering, entertaining, and fun interviews to our listeners. Today we are thrilled to highlight our podcast team producer, Janine McGoldrick. In addition to producing the podcast, Janine edits and co-hosts as well.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Luchina Fisher
Let’s give a warm NYWIFT welcome to Luchina Fisher! Fisher (she/her) is an award-winning director, writer and producer who works at the intersection of race, gender and identity. She is the founder and CEO of Little Light Productions. Her feature directorial debut Mama Gloria, about Chicago trans icon activist Gloria Allen, was nominated for a 2022 GLAAD Media Award. Previously, Fisher co-executive produced and co-wrote the critically acclaimed feature documentary Birthright: A War Story, about the war on women’s reproductive health. Luchina Fisher spoke to us about her early childhood influences, her next documentary, and her hopes for the future of women in media.
READ MORE