Apr 11 2023 34 mins
One of the more fearless filmmakers operating in Europe right now, Tarik Saleh, is intent on having another type of discussion with you. One that doesn't revolve around stereotypes or prejudices. His latest film Cairo Conspiracy is a well-scripted thriller which examines the fraught relationship between church and state.
Since September 11, stories emerging from the Arab world have all too often been neglected and pushed aside, especially at a time when the sentiment of the Islamic world in the West remains low. And where polarisation and anger have become knee-jerk reactions for many.
Saleh started out as a well-known graffiti artist on the streets of Stockholm, Sweden; he had his break out in 2009 with his debut feature film Metropia which starred Vincent Gallo and Juliette Lewis. From then on, his star has risen steadily, with back-to-back films based in Egypt both have earned him high praise and accolades in elite film circles from Sundance to Cannes.
A deeply thoughtful filmmaker, in this discussion, we delve into:
– His uncomfortable background growing up in Sweden – Why the Arab world still attracts such negative connotations in the West – Why Egypt refuses to allow him into the country – What the West doesn’t understand about the Islamic world – We talk about the red line, free speech and having the courage despite those dangers. – What went wrong with the Arab Spring? – And his optimism and hope for the world at large
Since September 11, stories emerging from the Arab world have all too often been neglected and pushed aside, especially at a time when the sentiment of the Islamic world in the West remains low. And where polarisation and anger have become knee-jerk reactions for many.
Saleh started out as a well-known graffiti artist on the streets of Stockholm, Sweden; he had his break out in 2009 with his debut feature film Metropia which starred Vincent Gallo and Juliette Lewis. From then on, his star has risen steadily, with back-to-back films based in Egypt both have earned him high praise and accolades in elite film circles from Sundance to Cannes.
A deeply thoughtful filmmaker, in this discussion, we delve into:
– His uncomfortable background growing up in Sweden – Why the Arab world still attracts such negative connotations in the West – Why Egypt refuses to allow him into the country – What the West doesn’t understand about the Islamic world – We talk about the red line, free speech and having the courage despite those dangers. – What went wrong with the Arab Spring? – And his optimism and hope for the world at large