Rabia

I first screened the movie in January of 2008 at a screening in Avon, CO. Ali Hasan himself was the presenter of the screening. Him & I shared a very intense conversation about the film and his inspirations for the film and my personal interests. Great depiction from the opening frame all the way through until the closing credits.... Rabia is an inspirational story that provides a view from both aspects whether it be a positive or negative. This day in age and the way we live our daily lives in this society it may provide a meaning of hope due to your political, moral or religious beliefs as well as it may inspire someone in a way that may keep them completely away from a path such as the one Rabia chose to follow. But definitely a movie that has kept me wondering from the day I first saw it over a year ago. As a former service-member myself this may happen when you least expect it. Ali Hasan depicts his views in a very exuberant way.... Job well done Ali with your vision. I would recommend this film to anyone who's beliefs are of hope, peace and understanding our daily struggles.

The most challenging thing about this film was that you found yourself rooting for the bad guy. After you see everything that Rabia has gone through in her life -- how she has been rejected by one man after another culminating with her husband (played by an actor from the film THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS) throwing her out of the house because Rabia is infertile, you almost want her to succeed in her terrorist endeavor. I also admired that she wanted to show the men of her community (who had so rejected her) that she could fight for Palestine too, that she doesn't have to be a man to help the cause. I'm surprised that a man wrote this. It shows great insight into being a woman, a strong woman challenged by mediocre circumstances. I know a lot of people who would be offended by the content, but it is dealt with in a very thoughtful way, and I think it just shows how the cruelties of society can cause terrorism. Regardless, it's a good story at the end of the day -- with great cinematography, great acting, especially by the lead actress, and great direction.

With subject matter like this, you would find it hard to think you could become so drawn into the character. Within the first couple minutes your already enthralled with this young woman, and her life leading up to her final moments. In looking through the taboo subject matter, you get a personal glimpse into the mind of someone stuck in an endless cycle of violence, and what it took to push her into the decision that she has made.

The cinematography and writing were outstanding, and the acting was very good, all in all making this one of the better short films i've seen. A must watch.

Director Muhammad Ali Hasan has taken on a tall order by trying to convince American viewers to empathize with a Muslim suicide bomber. Fortunately, he fulfilled that goal admirably by creating Rabia, a multifaceted character that viewers can make a deep connection with. As with most good films, this one is rooted with a powerful story written into a strong script. It also helps that Hanieh Jodat turns in a fantastic performance as the title character. The viewer can see her pain and inner struggles as she also struggles with outside forces trying to stop her from accomplishing her goal: one which we at the same time hope she doesn't accomplish, and that we hope she doesn't get arrested or killed trying to succeed at. This is a film that stimulates both the heart and the brain. I recommend it.

I highly recommend this movie for any movie lovers out there. I saw the film a few months ago and I was captivated from the very beginning to the very end. As a woman watching this film I couldn't help but to Sympathize with her pain and struggles in life to be "heard" and my husband was fascinated by her power and her strength to overcome her obstacles. The story is beautifully written, and it allows you to see the both side of the story no matter what religion or country you come from. Ali Hasan has done a fantastic job with the film and I was blown away by the lead actress Hanieh Jodat's performance. I look forward to seeing more from both Ali and Hanieh in the future.