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Marina of the Zabbaleen

Play trailer Marina of the Zabbaleen 2008 1h 10m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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A little girl lives in Cairo's community of refuse sorters.

Critics Reviews

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Adam Keleman Slant Magazine 09/12/2009
3/4
The principal strength of Wassef's debut is its delicate, revealing look at Marina's life. Go to Full Review
Jeannette Catsoulis New York Times 09/10/2009
3/5
Filled with glancing light and happy faces, Marina of the Zabbaleen, fights hard to sweeten the misery of its surroundings. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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09/10/2009 gorgeously shot on super 8 film, this movie raises many questions. what role does religion play in contemporary third world society? (not much different from its purpose during feudal times imho.) is there a call to action here, and if so, what is it? are the smiles on the faces of marina (living in absolutely abhorrent conditions) and others due to an enduring spirit of hope, or the cameras themselves? is filming the extraction of a child's tooth without anesthesia ethically sound? this movie is haunting, much more so than any hollywood horror flick. and certainly thought provoking. it has literally kept me up at night, hence writing this review at 6:14 am. See more 09/09/2009 This Is truly a Beautiful film . The story of Marina , a young girl living in the garbage village in Muqattam , just outside of Cairo, is infinitely inspirational. Amidst the mountains of garbage and polution this family thrives on hope love and laughter. Engi Wassef's talent in capturing the depth of emotions and love that allow marina to soar above the squallor is superb. This is a wonderful fantacy that at the same time has great social and political significance. truly a must see ! See more 03/24/2009 Beautiful film about the Muqqattam garbage recycling village in Cairo through the eyes of a little girl. A lesson that life can be dirty but full of laughter at the same time... See more 10/13/2008 Well made, particularly in the filmmakers ability to stay completely behind the camera. The audience is provided very little narrative information about the subjects and are left to there own emotional reactions. Difficult to watch. See more Read all reviews
Marina of the Zabbaleen

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Movie Info

Synopsis A little girl lives in Cairo's community of refuse sorters.
Director
Engi Wassef
Screenwriter
Engi Wassef
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
Arabic
Runtime
1h 10m