Review: ‘To a Land Unknown' at Facets is an absorbing refugee crisis drama
This is the universal lament and staggering human cost of refugee displacement, dramatized in Danish-Palestinian filmmaker Mahdi Fleifel's tense, coolly heartbreaking debut narrative feature. 'To a Land Unknown,' premiering this week at Facets Film Forum, focuses on these loving, sometimes hating cousins, who dream of opening a cafe in their chosen land unknown. Realizing this dream will require a series of anxious gambles and bargains with their lives, and the lives of others.
It's an existence balanced between 'what is and what must be,' as another refugee says, quoting 'Praise for the High Shadow' by Mahmoud Darwish. That's the poetry; Fleifel's film favors well-paced if slightly schematic prose, though the actors are more than good enough to keep you with these people every fraught minute.
It's a movie of many deadlines. The first is the two weeks that the cagey, quietly ruthless Chatila has to secure fake passports for himself and the softer-hearted addict Reda. Early in the story, the cousins encounter 13-year-old Malik (Mohammad Alsurafa), a Gazan refugee whose human trafficker, he tells the men, dumped him in Greece instead of reuniting him with his mother, now living in Italy. Everyone in 'To a Land Unknown' seeks some distant shore they can call home, with the promise of reminding them, in some way, of three simple words heard at the very end of the story: 'the old neighborhood.'
Chatila's the emergent protagonist in the script by Fyzal Boulifa, Jason McColgan and director Fleifel, and in the compelling, un-showy performance by Mahmoud Bakri, the story's escalating tensions never feel actor-engineered. Cousin Reda, whom Chatila patronizes one minute and loves like a brother the next, may well be the biggest obstacle to a further shore. Aram Sabbah makes this sweet, lost soul a dimensional presence.
Much of 'To a Land Unknown' deals with the cousins' entry into human trafficking, by way of the hard-drinking Greek national Tatiana (Angeliki Papoulia, 'Dogtooth') who becomes Chatila's lover. She's lured, with a promise of pay, into posing as the orphan's mother, accompanying him to Italy. It's a long shot. But it might get the cousins where they're headed, in Germany (a proper European nation, argues Chatila).
There are only so many ways 'To a Land Unknown' can conclude its storytelling business and not sell itself short, along with the omnipresent refugee crisis stories we live every minute on this planet. Yet the co-writer and director, who earliest years in a Lebanese refugee camp are the subject of his 2012 documentary 'A World Not Ours,' knows where he's going. The focus tightens ever more effectively on two ordinary men, searching, yearning, stealing, surviving however — and if — they can.
'To a Land Unknown' — 3 stars (out of 4)
No MPA rating (language, sexuality, some violence)
Running time: 1:46
How to watch: Chicago premiere at Facets Film Forum, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave.; 3 and 5 p.m. Sat. July 19; 1 and 3 p.m. Sun. July 20; 7 p.m. Thurs. July 24. In Arabic, Greek and English with English subtitles.
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Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Chicago Tribune
Review: ‘To a Land Unknown' at Facets is an absorbing refugee crisis drama
Sitting on an Athens park bench with their skateboards, with pigeons scouring the ground for food at their feet, the cousins at the heart of 'To a Land Unknown' scan their surroundings for their next target. They need money, badly. They need a purse to steal. Palestinian refugees, Chatila and his younger cousin Reda have been stranded here a while. Chatila's wife and two-year-old son, stuck in their own limbo in a Lebanese refugee camp, live with uncertain hopes of meeting up with the cousins in Germany. This is the universal lament and staggering human cost of refugee displacement, dramatized in Danish-Palestinian filmmaker Mahdi Fleifel's tense, coolly heartbreaking debut narrative feature. 'To a Land Unknown,' premiering this week at Facets Film Forum, focuses on these loving, sometimes hating cousins, who dream of opening a cafe in their chosen land unknown. Realizing this dream will require a series of anxious gambles and bargains with their lives, and the lives of others. It's an existence balanced between 'what is and what must be,' as another refugee says, quoting 'Praise for the High Shadow' by Mahmoud Darwish. That's the poetry; Fleifel's film favors well-paced if slightly schematic prose, though the actors are more than good enough to keep you with these people every fraught minute. It's a movie of many deadlines. The first is the two weeks that the cagey, quietly ruthless Chatila has to secure fake passports for himself and the softer-hearted addict Reda. Early in the story, the cousins encounter 13-year-old Malik (Mohammad Alsurafa), a Gazan refugee whose human trafficker, he tells the men, dumped him in Greece instead of reuniting him with his mother, now living in Italy. Everyone in 'To a Land Unknown' seeks some distant shore they can call home, with the promise of reminding them, in some way, of three simple words heard at the very end of the story: 'the old neighborhood.' Chatila's the emergent protagonist in the script by Fyzal Boulifa, Jason McColgan and director Fleifel, and in the compelling, un-showy performance by Mahmoud Bakri, the story's escalating tensions never feel actor-engineered. Cousin Reda, whom Chatila patronizes one minute and loves like a brother the next, may well be the biggest obstacle to a further shore. Aram Sabbah makes this sweet, lost soul a dimensional presence. Much of 'To a Land Unknown' deals with the cousins' entry into human trafficking, by way of the hard-drinking Greek national Tatiana (Angeliki Papoulia, 'Dogtooth') who becomes Chatila's lover. She's lured, with a promise of pay, into posing as the orphan's mother, accompanying him to Italy. It's a long shot. But it might get the cousins where they're headed, in Germany (a proper European nation, argues Chatila). There are only so many ways 'To a Land Unknown' can conclude its storytelling business and not sell itself short, along with the omnipresent refugee crisis stories we live every minute on this planet. Yet the co-writer and director, who earliest years in a Lebanese refugee camp are the subject of his 2012 documentary 'A World Not Ours,' knows where he's going. The focus tightens ever more effectively on two ordinary men, searching, yearning, stealing, surviving however — and if — they can. 'To a Land Unknown' — 3 stars (out of 4) No MPA rating (language, sexuality, some violence) Running time: 1:46 How to watch: Chicago premiere at Facets Film Forum, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave.; 3 and 5 p.m. Sat. July 19; 1 and 3 p.m. Sun. July 20; 7 p.m. Thurs. July 24. In Arabic, Greek and English with English subtitles.
CNN
2 days ago
- CNN
Massive Attack, Brian Eno among UK and Irish musicians banding together to speak out on Israel's war in Gaza
A group of musicians from the United Kingdom and Ireland say they have formed a syndicate to advocate for artists speaking out against Israel's war in Gaza and the role of foreign governments in funding it. 'Because of our expressions of conscience, we've been subject to various intimidations from within our industry' and 'legally via organised bodies such as UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI),' read a social media post by the band Massive Attack, a version of which has been shared by Kneecap and Fontaines D.C., as well as musician and producer Brian Eno. The musicians said they are aware of 'aggressive, vexatious campaigns operated by UKLFI and of multiple individual incidences of intimidation within the music industry itself' designed to censor and silence artists. CNN has reached out to UKLFI for comment. The posts come after Northern Irish rappers Kneecap and the British rap-punk duo Bob Vylan drew criticism for their pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel rhetoric. Both are facing police investigations for their performances at Glastonbury music festival, following reports by UKLFI. UKLFI said it reported a singer in Bob Vylan to the police for chanting 'Death to the IDF' during their Glastonbury set, referring to the Israeli military. It also reported UK public broadcaster the BBC for showing the set. The BBC later called Bob Vylan's performance 'antisemitic' and said it should not have been broadcast. A member of Kneecap, which has been a vocal critic of Israel and the war in Gaza, was charged with a terrorism offense last month for allegedly displaying a flag 'in support of Hezbollah,' according to London police, following a report by UKLFI. UK counterterrorism police said they were investigating the group after videos emerged allegedly showing the band calling for British politicians to be killed and shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah,' in apparent support for the militant groups from Gaza and Lebanon, respectively, both enemies of Israel. Kneecap has previously said it has never supported Hamas or Hezbollah and that the footage circulating online has been 'deliberately taken out of all context' as part of a 'smear campaign' following their criticism of Israel and the United States over the former's 20-month war in Gaza. Both Bob Vylan and Kneecap have faced widespread gig cancellations. UKLFI said it had written to the UK venues where Kneecap was due to perform this summer and warned them 'of the risks of allowing them to perform.' The US State Department banned Bob Vylan from performing in the US. In their joint social media posts, the musicians in the newly-formed alliance encouraged other artists who wish to speak up but are afraid of repercussions to contact them. 'The scenes in Gaza have moved beyond description,' said the post announcing the formation of the syndicate, which calls for a ceasefire; the 'immediate, unfettered access' of aid to Gaza; the end of UK arms sales to Israel; and other measures. 'Having withstood these campaigns of attempted censorship, we won't stand by and allow other artists – particularly those at earlier stages of their careers or in other positions of professional vulnerability – to be threatened into silence or career cancellation.' The English singer Paloma Faith lent her support on the post shared by Kneecap. 'Keep going everyone it's going to eventually change! Hang in there,' she wrote in a comment via her verified account on Instagram.
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
This lakeside Niagara park has one of the oldest carousels in the country and it costs pennies to ride
Moments before the Lakeside Park Carousel greets visitors on a warm July morning, workers swiftly and quietly weave through the enclosed space, ensuring every hand-carved horse, lion, camel, goat and giraffe is perfectly prepped and polished. Ready for the first ride of the day. As the clock strikes 11 a.m. and the doors roll open, what seems like a banal building on the edge of Lake Ontario comes to life in a swirl of music and light. A magical, whimsical, glittering display of charm and history lights up the faces of the children at the main entrance, waiting patiently in the summer sun — with nickels in hand — to climb aboard one of 68 storybook creatures spinning beneath the wooden carousel's golden canopy. Children clamour to select one of the jumpers, prancers and standers among four rows. Before the carousel starts to spin, staff sprinkle in fresh tidbits that make each three-minute ride a little different. The Lakeside Park Carousel has dozens of hand-crafted animals. Did you know the Lakeside Park Carousel is one of only eight in North America featuring four rows with the majority of animals being originals? Twenty-six horses were crafted by Marcus Illions and seven courtesy of Alan Herschell and Edward Spillman. Did you know jumpers are animals suspended in mid-air, which move up and down as the Carousel circles? Music from the antique Frati band organ begins, as the beloved century-old carousel spins with views of Lake Ontario, the pier and the park — a vintage ride that has charmed generations. Lakeside Park's historic treasure is one of only nine carved wooden carousel still operating in Canada. In its 100-plus years in Port Dalhousie, it's become a piece of living history — and still costs only a nickel a ride. 'The best thing is opening day, and you see the smiles on the kids and the adults. Everybody is smiling (and) that's what it's all about,' said Garry Unger, a volunteer with The Friends of the Carousel, a group that repairs and maintains the carousel. 'Jumpers are the favourite. Although, that said, on the outside is a white horse we call the bride, there's been a lot of wedding photographs, and beside the bride are three other white jumpers, we call them the bridesmaids.' Beyond the painted horses and music, the walls inside the carousel are lined with photographs and stories that bring its history to life, holding the memories of millions of people — including thousands who filled Lakeside Park every summer from the 1920s through 1951 to mark Emancipation Day. The carousel was brought to Port Dalhousie in 1921 after being purchased from an amusement park in Scarborough. The Lakeside Park Carousel was carved between 1897 and 1905 in Brooklyn, New York by Charles I.D. Looff. The Danish carver became famous for building the first carousel at Coney Island and the Ferris wheel along the Santa Monica Pier. It's one of the largest remaining examples of a Looff menagerie carousel in North America, featuring four rows of hand-carved characters, with the outer row featuring faceted glass-jewelled animals. One standout, the lion, is one of five existing Looff lions in North America, but Leo (as named by the Friends of the Carousel) is the only one whose head faces onlookers. The lion is perhaps the most iconic of the dozens of carved wooden animals in the Lakeside Park Carousel. Lakeside originally had a second lion, but it was stolen in the 1970s. The Friends replaced him in 2004, naming him Paws through a community competition. In 1921, the carousel was purchased from an amusement park in Scarborough and brought to the growing Lakeside amusement park, which included rides and an old wooden water slide. The park was purchased and privately run from 1950 to 1970, before Sydney Brookson put it up for sale. Generations of families have enjoyed riding the animals on the carousel over the years. Not wanting to lose a piece of history, the community banded together, raising $20,000 to purchase the carousel, on two Brookson conditions — that its price remains five cents and that it remain in St. Catharines. Both were honoured. In 1999, the City of St. Catharines partnered with the newly-formed Friends of the Carousel to restore the carousel, which Unger said has been key in keeping it running, as it has experienced its share of disasters. In 1973 and 1978, the carousel was flooded by water, and a 1974 fire at the Old Muir Dry Docks destroyed some animals and badly damaged others. The Lakeside Park Carousel is like a spinning, carved animal safari. The Friends undertook its meticulous restoration, re-creating the original appearance of the carousel, completing the work in 2009. 'It looks the way it does because we're all working together for the common cause and that's to make sure there are smiles on the kids,' said Unger. '(The crafters) probably didn't expect it to last 100 years.' But the work is never done. Once the season ends, The Friends examine every animal for scratches or breaks, restoring and painting in their nearby workshop. 'You can't tell the damage until you scrap some paint off, and it's all done manually. Sometimes we have to scrap the whole character, sometimes it's minimal repair,' said Unger. For Bonnie Cameron, who has been with The Friends group since its founding, it's an honour to have a key to the carousel, spending weeks surrounded by history. 'Even when you're at the workshop and you're scraping something that's over 100 years old, there's a passion and that's what's required,' she said. With another Lakeside Park Carousel season in full swing, her wish is for every rider, whether local or visitors, to leave with a smile — while recognizing its rich history and treating it with reverence it deserves. 'I hope that they realize this has to be respected,' she said. 'Come down and enjoy the experience of something that was built so long ago.' While the carousel may be the star attraction, there's plenty more to enjoy in Port Dalhousie. Here are five things to do while you're in town: Stroll the historic Port Dalhousie Pier — either east pier, west pier or both — taking in sweeping views of Lake Ontario, with views of Toronto to the north, Niagara-on-the-Lake to the east and sunsets to the west. Also enjoy views of the inner and outer Port Dalhousie lighthouses, which helped ships and boats enter and exit the narrow harbour. The outer lighthouse was built in 1878 and inner lighthouse built in 1898. And make sure you take a blanket to cool down along Lakeside Park Beach. Browse a variety of small eateries, but for ice cream , standouts include gelato at II Gelato Di Carlotta at the Lock and Main Marketplace (featuring additional food and coffee options) and Old Port Dairy Bar on Lakeport Road. Stop by several local breweries for a cool pint, including Lock Street Brewery right on Lock Street. Its drink menu boasts a wide range of options from Portside Pilsner, The Jealous Mistress, Black Sail and Industrial Pale Ale — and much more. Pick up your next summer read at Thistle Bookshop and Café . The independent bookstore in downtown Port Dalhousie can help you find your next literary adventure — while enjoying another beverage. And with familial ties to Scotland, the shop also features Celtic and ancestry section. Enjoy several cruise options Port Dalhousie Cruise Lines . Tuesday through Saturday, take advantage of a two-hour afternoon cruise (from 1 to 3 p.m.) aboard the historical M.V. Chippewa III where you can see highlights of Niagara region, Welland Canal and Niagara River. From 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Sundays, enjoy a 2.5-hour sunset cruise that takes you onto Lake Ontario, up the Niagara River and by the historic Fort George and Fort Niagara.
