Films of Reflection & Resilience: Ramadan Watchlist on Beamafilm
Louise van Rooyen - Beamafilm
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31/03/2025
Ramadan is a time of self-reflection, gratitude, and compassion—a month that encourages us to connect with our faith, families, and the world. As we slow down and focus on what truly matters, film can open a window into the struggles, hopes, and triumphs of people across the globe. This Ramadan, stream inspiring stories about resilience, perseverance, and the pursuit of hope against all odds.
'Lemon Tree' – Food, Family and Friendship
This delightful story is set on the Palestinian West Bank, where a widowed empty-nester has a flourishing grove of lemon trees that are deemed a security risk.
'Make Hummus Not War' – A Recipe for Peace
During Ramadan, when food plays an important role in bringing families and communities together, this lighthearted and insightful documentary explores the cultural and political significance of hummus across the Middle East. Its blend of humor, history, and heartfelt storytelling offer reflection on unity, identity, and the power of common ground to bridge divides for people of different backgrounds.
'Sabah' – A Tale of Family, Tradition, Cultural Difference and Love
Sabah is the Arabic word for 'Morning', and this film is about the dawning of a new day for a 40-year-old Muslim woman living in Toronto.
'For Sama ' – A Mother’s Love in Wartime
Raw, personal, and utterly heartbreaking, For Sama is a must-watch for Ramadan. Told through the eyes of a young mother living through the Syrian war, this BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated documentary captures the sacrifices made for family, love, and survival. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of those caught in conflict, making us reflect on the blessings of peace and security.
'Watan' – Stories of Survival and Hope
Step into the heart of refugee camps to share the personal journeys of displaced Syrians striving to rebuild their lives. This documentary highlights the power of community, faith, and perseverance in the face of unimaginable loss. As Ramadan emphasises empathy and generosity, Watan offers an intimate look at the realities faced by those who have lost everything but continue to hope for a better future.
'The Idol' – A Dream Beyond Borders
From the Oscar-nominated director of Paradise Now, this uplifting drama tells the true story of Mohammed Assaf, a young boy from Gaza with an extraordinary voice and an impossible dream—to compete in Arab Idol. Against all odds, he defies restrictions, sneaks across borders, and captures the hearts of millions. The Idol is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the power of music to transcend hardship.
'Mary Meets Mohammad' - Celebrating Empathy and Understanding
This documentary follows the unlikely friendship between Mary, an elderly Christian woman initially opposed to refugees, and Mohammad, a Muslim man detained in a Tasmanian immigration facility. The film explores themes of empathy, understanding, and the breaking down of prejudices—values that align with the spirit of Ramadan, a time of reflection, compassion, and community. It is a powerful story encouraging dialogue on migration, acceptance, and human connections that transcend cultural and religious differences.
A Time for Reflection & Connection
The great films in this watchlist remind us of the struggles and triumphs of people who, despite immense challenges, hold onto hope and faith. As we gather with loved ones this Ramadan, let’s take a moment to witness their stories and reflect on the power of resilience, community, and the connectedness of the human spirit.
Raw, personal, and utterly heartbreaking, For Sama is a must-watch for Ramadan. Told through the eyes of a young mother living through the Syrian war, this BAFTA-winning and Oscar-nominated documentary captures the sacrifices made for family, love, and survival. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of those caught in conflict, making us reflect on the blessings of peace and security.
'Watan' – Stories of Survival and Hope
Step into the heart of refugee camps to share the personal journeys of displaced Syrians striving to rebuild their lives. This documentary highlights the power of community, faith, and perseverance in the face of unimaginable loss. As Ramadan emphasises empathy and generosity, Watan offers an intimate look at the realities faced by those who have lost everything but continue to hope for a better future.
'The Idol' – A Dream Beyond Borders
From the Oscar-nominated director of Paradise Now, this uplifting drama tells the true story of Mohammed Assaf, a young boy from Gaza with an extraordinary voice and an impossible dream—to compete in Arab Idol. Against all odds, he defies restrictions, sneaks across borders, and captures the hearts of millions. The Idol is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the power of music to transcend hardship.
'Mary Meets Mohammad' - Celebrating Empathy and Understanding
This documentary follows the unlikely friendship between Mary, an elderly Christian woman initially opposed to refugees, and Mohammad, a Muslim man detained in a Tasmanian immigration facility. The film explores themes of empathy, understanding, and the breaking down of prejudices—values that align with the spirit of Ramadan, a time of reflection, compassion, and community. It is a powerful story encouraging dialogue on migration, acceptance, and human connections that transcend cultural and religious differences.
A Time for Reflection & Connection
The great films in this watchlist remind us of the struggles and triumphs of people who, despite immense challenges, hold onto hope and faith. As we gather with loved ones this Ramadan, let’s take a moment to witness their stories and reflect on the power of resilience, community, and the connectedness of the human spirit.
Watch for FREE with a participating library card or on a 30-day trial. Also, you can rent a film for 72 hours.
In a small estate on the West Bank border between Israeli and Palestinian territories, widow Hiam Abbass enjoys a modest, self-sufficient life tending a lemon grove.
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Could a regional love of hummus be the recipe for peace in the Middle East?
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Sabah is a sheltered 40-year-old woman who lives with her controlling Muslim family in Toronto.
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A love letter from a young mother to her daughter, the film tells the story of Waad al-Kateab’s life through five years of the uprising in Aleppo.
Watan (Homeland) looks beyond the rhetoric and into the human cost of the Syrian refugee crisis. Intimate portraits of refugees in the camps and cities of Jordan reveal the struggle for normalcy and dignity.
A wedding singer from a refugee camp dreams of winning Arab Idol.
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After the arrival of Tasmania’s first detention centre, local knitting club member Mary and Afghan asylum seeker Mohammad connect through the gift of a donated knitted beanie.
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A nine-year-old boy from Kabul decides to start a business as a cart pusher, hoping to raise enough money to follow his dreams.
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Three Arab-Israeli women share an apartment in Tel Aviv and try to balance their traditions with the modern world.
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A Canadian doctor finds her sympathies tested in the Palestinian territories.
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Islam has 1.6 billion followers around the world and Tevya Heller learns about Islam by visiting the Taric Islamic Centre, learning about the importance of cleansing oneself before prayer, Halal, the history of Muhammad, and the...
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Ramadan,Muslim,faith,family,tradition,resilience, community