Sundance 2020

[Chris Knipp]

Sudan and Saudia in two Sundance films.


STILL FROM SAUDI RUNAWAY

HIS HOUSE (Remi Weekes) is a debut feature that's an unusual mix of social commentary and horror as it depicts a Sudanese family seeking asylum in England whose life is torture both in their house and out of it, according to Benjamin Lee of GUARDIAN (he gives it four stars). The escape by sea is covered, one that's touched by tragedy. Once in England, rules of the couple's asylum means they can't vacate the rundown house in a village they're given, no matter what, says Tim Grierson in SCREEN DAILY, even when the house starts spooking them, and we get " Terror laced with social commentary." "Weekes surprises us with his ingenuity and the depth of his themes," says Grierson.

SAUDI RUNAWAY (Susanne Regina Meures) is a documentary about the escape of a young Saudi woman from an arranged marriage compiled from cell phone footage shot by Muna. The film was made in collaboration between the two women at a distance via phone and encryption. Superficially Saudi Arabia has been relaxing its restrictions, but the country remains deeply conservative and repressive of women. This records the run-up to Muna's escape, Adrian Horton of GUARDIAN explains in a Sundance report. Sheri Linden of HOLLYWOOD REPORTER adds that though this is a well-off family, the father beats his young son. Muna goes through with the wedding since the honeymoon in Abu Dhabi will be her chance to escape. It's risky and dangerous - but the film reports that a thousand women escape from Saudi weddings every year.