Navigating Memory and Identity Through Film

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MOVIE REVIEW
Bye Bye Tiberias
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Genre: Documentary, Biography
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 22m
Director(s): Lina Soualem
Language: Arabic, French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: opening January 12, 2024, in NYC, and January 19 in LA

RAVING REVIEW: BYE BYE TIBERIAS, directed by Lina Soualem, is a narrative journey that captivatingly unfolds the complex layers of a family's history, culture, and identity. Anchored by the life story of renowned Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass, this film weaves the rustic charm of a Palestinian village with the glamour of international cinema. It's a storytelling marvel that beautifully bridges the educational and emotional, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Palestinian history and the personal stories embedded within. Remember that this film was made before the current events that have escalated in the region. The film is uniquely positioned to almost serve as a time capsule within the same year it’s being released.

BYE BYE TIBERIAS starts with a narrative as fluid as the culture it explores. Director Lina Soualem, drawing from her diverse Palestinian and Algerian-French heritage, crafts a story that elevates beyond mere biography, touching on themes of migration and identity. Initially, the film's pace is deliberate, setting a reflective tone that lays the groundwork for the profound emotional depth that unfolds.

Soualem's ingenious blend of contemporary footage and nostalgic home videos from the 1990s lends the film a unique, multi-layered texture. This creative choice enriches the narrative, allowing viewers to traverse time and space, connecting the family's history with an untraditional authenticity. Each frame in the film is like a page from a visual diary, narrating stories of resilience and perseverance, particularly highlighting the influential women in Soualem's lineage.

Central to the film is Abbass's journey, and her evolution from a young girl to an internationally acclaimed actress is inspiring. Abbass's collaborations with esteemed directors and her portrayal in acclaimed shows like HBO's SUCCESSION are portrayed not just as career milestones but as significant steps in her journey of self-realization. The film revisits critical moments in her life, including poignant discussions with her father about her life choices, painting an intimate portrait of a woman who dared to defy the norms of her village.

The film occasionally treads lightly around the broader Palestinian context, and this minor critique is an unwarranted thought on my behalf because of current events. While the film excels in capturing the intimate struggles and achievements of the family, intertwining these personal stories with the larger Palestinian narrative would have added another layer of depth. The film's strength lies in its storytelling, but a more pronounced connection to the overarching historical narrative could have elevated its impact.

Despite this, BYE BYE TIBERIAS stands as a powerful ode to the strength of family stories and the significance of preserving heritage. The film melds personal histories with universal themes of identity and belonging, leaving a lasting impression of the past's influence on the present. Soualem's direction and Abbass's narrative create an engaging and thought-provoking viewing experience. It's a film that speaks to anyone intrigued by the interplay of personal and global histories.

BYE BYE TIBERIAS transcends the boundaries of a typical documentary. Offering a heartfelt homage to a family's journey, seen through the lens of one of its members. The film narrates a story of strength and the unbreakable bonds of family, masterfully told through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical context, and artistry. This film is a must-watch for those who appreciate narratives deeply rooted in the human experience, transcending geographical and temporal boundaries.

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[photo courtesy of WOMEN MAKE MOVIES]

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