TRIBECA REVIEW: ‘A Falcon, A Revolution’

A Falcon, A Revolution is a methodical look at the recent Egyptian revolution, all through the eyes of a Bedouin falcon trainer. The short film, running a quick 6 minutes, recently played the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.

It would be great to report that the movie offers a beautifully poignant and peaceful alternative to the violent uprising. It would be great to report that the short film achieves so much in its few minutes. It would be great to report on the effectiveness of this new perspective and this solitary voice shining through all the melee.

Unfortunately, this student project feels too brief to provide any detail on Egypt’s current situation. The film’s production value is very basic, and the information that is learned is minimal. Hassan, the Bedouin falcon trainer at the nexus of the movie, is an interesting character, but when he speaks to the camera about the connections between falconry and government, it all comes off like a student’s thesis, like one voice in what should be a much larger project.

Directors Md Rezwan Al Islam and Jassim Al Rumaihi have enough good footage to spark a larger conversation on Egypt’s current strengths and weaknesses. They should take A Falcon, A Revolution many steps forward. They have begun the conversation, and I’d like to see what their inquisitive minds turn up with even more subjects and perspectives.

They have made an admirable 6 minutes, but now it seems appropriate to stretch the story to an adequate length. I want to know more. The world needs to know more.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

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