Daratt

Sunday, March 29, 2009, 2 p.m.
All showings are in the Mother Theresa Hackelmeier Memorial Library Auditorium

“Mr. Haroun, whose earlier films include Bye Bye Africa and Abouna, tells this story of a would-be boy-killer and his prey with restraint, a touch of humor and an elegant eye. Although the setup borders on the contrived, and sure enough, Atim is soon working for Nassara. The result is anything but. The characters speak in the unrushed cadences of real life or not at all, with some interludes unwinding without a single word. Shortly before Atim goes to work for Nassara, the two wordlessly circle each other like dogs, like boxers squaring off in the ring. Nassara, who uses an electronic larynx to speak, asks Atim what he wants. "Not charity," the scowling boy responds, touchingly unaware that benevolence is precisely what he needs most.”

Manhola Dargis, The New York Times

Director and Screenplay: Mahamat-Saleh Haroun
Running time: 96 minutes
Production: France, Chad, Belgium, Austria, 2006
Language: Arabic and French with English subtitles
Rating: Not rated

Awards:

        ·         Unesco Award
·         Special Mention, Signis Award (2006)
·         Special Mention and Grand Special Jury Prize, Human Rights Film Network Award (2006)
·         UNESCO Award, Venice Film Festival (2006)
·         Amnesty International Award, Motovum Film Festival (2007)