Sand Storm

An unusual film in that all (almost all?) the characters are of Muslim faith yet it was written, produced and directed by Israelis. Not to fear. There was no slitting of throats, rocket attacks, or air raids. If it had been produced elsewhere, it might have been deemed a "drama, romance".

The action centers around a family of Bedouins. Although these Bedouins reside on desert sand they are wanderers no more, now dwelling in a home with doors rather than tent flaps. Sand may blow in through the ill-fitting doors, but it's still home.

Worship and activities dictate that their society remains religiously patriarchal. The head of the household does try to inject some modernism into his family's life, but old customs are still the mandate. As the household consists of two wives and four daughters, papa's plans are often questioned anyway.

The movie could have deteriorated into political propaganda. Yet it focused on a problem similar to one we have here in the West: the male/female relationship. There are layers of interest in the film, an examination of which may create levels of anger and distrust but 'Sand Storm' was educational rather than confrontational, thus any debates should be in similar mode.