Clash
Commissioned by the BBC & BFI, CLASH is a short experimental documentary critiquing Britain's obsession with period dramas, and how they erase the diverse reality of Britain today. This film - part parody, part candid interview - is a response to Humphrey Jennings' 1942 'LISTEN TO BRITAIN', a documentary used to propel a myth of national unity. CLASH, through the perspectives of underrepresented queer people of colour, critiques the myths we still tell ourselves on screen. Through candid interviews and staged period-drama sequences with our subjects - involving a hobby horse race in East London - our film explores the issues surrounding nostalgic heritage cinema, and how it erases the diverse landscape of Britain today.
Insights
Plot Summary
In Cairo, a protest is being dispersed, leading to a chaotic scene where individuals from various backgrounds are rounded up and crammed into a police truck. Inside, a tense and volatile atmosphere develops as the detainees, including a former actress, a radical Islamist, and a group of football hooligans, grapple with their confinement and the uncertainty of their fate. The confined space amplifies their differences and shared anxieties, forcing them to confront each other and their own beliefs amidst escalating tensions and the oppressive heat outside.
Critical Reception
Clash received widespread critical acclaim for its intense atmosphere, compelling performances, and its unflinching portrayal of societal tensions in contemporary Egypt. Critics lauded Mohamed Diab's direction for its visceral and claustrophobic approach, effectively conveying the claustrophobia and simmering anger within the police truck. The film was particularly praised for its ability to present a complex microcosm of Egyptian society and its inherent conflicts without offering easy answers.
What Reviewers Say
- A taut and claustrophobic thriller that effectively captures the socio-political tensions of Egypt.
- Praised for its strong performances and Mohamed Diab's confident, immersive direction.
- Lauded for its ability to create a compelling microcosm of society within a confined space.
Google audience: Audiences generally found "Clash" to be a gripping and thought-provoking film, appreciating its intense atmosphere and realistic portrayal of social and political unrest. Many viewers highlighted the strong acting and the film's ability to create a sense of tension and unease, making it a memorable cinematic experience.
Awards & Accolades
Clash was selected to open the Un Certain Regard section at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival and was Egypt's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards, though it was not nominated. It also won awards at various international film festivals.
Fun Fact
The entire film is set within the confines of a single police truck, creating an intense, claustrophobic viewing experience that mirrors the volatile political climate it depicts.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources