A symbolic examination of how men treat women in most of the Middle East from a young woman’s perspective. This is a moving women’s rights statement that rejects the objectification of women and the violence that often accompanies it. The film does not call for direct confrontation but instead calls for female inner strength to overcome the repression. Powerful images, voiceover comments, and pointed questions convey layered meanings, complemented by a classical musical score that adds depth and sensitivity. Transfixing from start to finish, Perspective takes a brilliant outside-the-box approach and delivers a clear, strong, and inspiring message.
Community Partner
Sarah Smadi, Hala Alyusuf, Cyrine Mah, Dania Makhlouf, Israa Alshaer, Nawal Osama, Natalie Badran
Iraq/Jordan
2021
English
Domestic Violence, Gender or Sexual Violence
Featured in:
International Shorts: Morality Plays
Morals are being challenged on many fronts. The protagonists in this program of short films are all faced with difficult moral choices and they don’t always make the right decisions.
Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre
Sirât
A desperate father (Sergi Lopez) searchers for his missing daughter through the spiritual wasteland of the Moroccan desert. An unforgettable sensory powerhouse, Sîrat will have you riveted and rattled for hours after the end credits have rolled.
Mr. Nobody Against Putin
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary, and Special Jury Prize Winner, Sundance, 2025, this exposé shot by a Russian primary teacher shows how the Putin propaganda machine works to militarize children.
2026 Oscar® Shorts (Documentary)
Don't come to the program of Oscar®-nominated documentary shorts for escapism. But let's talk about the Canadian contender, Perfectly a Strangeness, featuring an abandoned observatory and three donkeys. More of this, please.
Round Midnight: Ardeshir Plays Dexter Gordon
Loosely based on Bud Powell's time in Paris, Round Midnight (131 mins) is maybe the greatest of all films about jazz thanks to the towering performance of real-life jazz great Dexter Gordon. Saxophonist Ardeshir channels Gordon's vibe in his live set.
The Love That Remains
Anna and Magnús have separated, leaving her to raise their three children as he spends long stretches at sea, working as a fisherman. As the seasons pass, their emotions ebb and flow. A richly conceived story with unexpected delight and humour.
Credits
Executive Producer
Alaa Algburi
Producer
Yousef Yousef
Screenwriter
Alaa Algburi
Cinematography
Suzan Nsoor
Editor
Suzan Nsoor
Art Director
Nilover Shehadat
Director
Alaa Algburi
Alaa Algburi was born in Baghdad, Iraq and currently lives in Amman, Jordan. She has degrees in both filmmaking and English literature, and experience in writing, directing, cinematography, and editing for film and TV commercials.