Kan Zeh Lo Sham

This 25 minute film about a romance turned sour is packed with atmosphere and great sound effects. A woman called Um Gazala is married into a Bedouin tribe but plans to escape to freedom from a life of drudgery. Taking her two young children she steals away under the cover of darkness. The film takes us on her dangerous journey as she tries to outwit her husband in close pursuit. I liked the opening sequence with the arresting sound of a stone being thumped on a fencing post. Its monotonous rhythm suggests the monotony of Um Gazala's tribal life. The film has little dialogue which makes it truly international. It concentrates mainly on atmosphere and sound effects. The background music is subtle and well-controlled and seems to suit the excitement of the chase. The dusty paths through the rocky terrain present an unusual and threatening location which adds atmosphere and interest. The hot arid country is expertly caught on camera. It's a very cheerless film as we realise the hopelessness of the situation. The film leaves us a little sad to think that people actually live under these conditions. Who would not wish to make the break like Um Gazala if escape were at all possible?