Amr Gamal’s Yemeni drama, “The Burdened,” has been making waves across the film industry. It secured two prestigious accolades at the Saudi Film Festival. The film won the Golden Palm for Best GCC Feature Film and Best Actress Award for its leading lady, Abeer Mohammed, adding to its already impressive list of achievements.
“The Burdened” continues to captivate audiences worldwide. It stands as a testament to the resilience of storytelling in the face of hardship. It has cemented its place as a cinematic gem in Yemeni cinema. This success follows its acclaimed screenings at the Malmö Arab Film Festival and its Arab World premiere at the Baghdad Film Festival. “The Burdened” continues to enthrall audiences and critics alike with its compelling narrative and stellar performances.
The film portrays the struggles of a married couple and their three children amidst the country’s economic crisis. When the mother discovers she is pregnant with a fourth child, the family faces the daunting decision of an abortion in a conservative society. This leads to a series of tough decisions in their fight for survival.
“The Burdened” made history as the first Yemeni film officially selected at the prestigious German festival. It received widespread acclaim, winning the Amnesty International Film Award and the runner-up for the Audience Award. The film has garnered numerous awards, including the Best Screenplay Award at Durban and accolades at Valencia, Taipei, and the Chicago International Film Festival.
Directed and co-written by Amr Gamal alongside Mazen Refaat, “The Burdened” boasts stellar performances from Khaled Hamdan, Abeer Mohammed, Samah Alamrani, and Awsam Abdulrahman. Cinematography by Mrinal Desai and editing by Heba Othman further enhance the film’s emotional depth.
More about the filmmaker:
Amr Gamal, an independent Yemeni film and theater director, has been gaining recognition for his impactful storytelling. His previous work, “10 Days Before the Wedding,” marked Yemen’s official submission to the Oscars in 2018. It showcases his commitment to shedding light on the human experience amidst adversity.