My motherland is checkered

In a small village on the outskirts of Damascus, a young woman named Maya grapples with the conflicting pressures of tradition and modernity. Her family expects her to follow a conventional path, but Maya dreams of pursuing her passion for art and breaking free from societal constraints. As she navigates forbidden relationships and hidden desires, she finds herself caught between loyalty to her heritage and the yearning for personal liberation.

"My Motherland Is Checkered" received a mixed to positive reception, with critics praising its atmospheric portrayal of rural Syrian life and its nuanced exploration of female agency. However, some found the narrative pacing to be slow and the thematic explorations occasionally elusive.

• Praised for its evocative cinematography and sensitive depiction of a young woman's internal conflict.

• Noted for its strong performances, particularly from the lead actress, Hanane El Jinnaoui.

• Some critics found the film's slow burn and ambiguous ending to be less engaging.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's artistic vision and the relatable struggle of its protagonist. Many viewers connected with the themes of personal identity and the challenges of reconciling societal expectations with individual aspirations.

Screened at the Tribeca Film Festival, received a Special Mention at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

The film was shot on location in a remote village in Syria, utilizing natural light to enhance its authentic and immersive atmosphere.