Set in the Arabian Desert of 1916, the film follows Theeb, a young Bedouin boy, and his brother Hussein as they leave the safety of their tribe to venture on a treacherous journey at the dawn of the Great Revolt. If Theeb is to survive he must quickly learn about adulthood, trust and betrayal.
Cinematography
Wolfgang Thaler shoots Wadi Rum like an alien planet swallowing humans.
Acting
Non-professional Bedouin cast—Jacir Eid's eyes hold centuries.
Direction
Nowar learned filmmaking watching DVDs; debut has zero false notes.
Director
Naji Abu Nowar
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The entire cast were non-professional Bedouins; Jacir Eid had never seen a movie before filming. The crew lived in tents for months.
Nowar deliberately set the film during the Arab Revolt to counter Lawrence of Arabia's mythologizing—Theeb shows Bedouin agency without British saviors.
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