External Link External Link

After the sudden death of her husband, Nawal is facing hardship. In the absence of legal documents, her brother-in-law swoops in to claim her assets, as well as guardianship of her young daughter.

Synopsis

This gripping, sharp-witted, feminist drama - the first-ever Jordanian feature to premiere at Cannes - accompanies Nawal, who is forced into a series of rash situations to hold onto her family and claim what should rightfully be hers. The result is a suspenseful and engrossing portrait of resistance and strength, and a snapshot into the many forms of systemic oppression facing women in Jordanian society and its legal system.

“Tense, gripping, and unflinchingly honest, the film sheds light on the oppression faced by women under archaic laws. By refusing to focus solely on women’s suffering, Inshallah A Boy takes a survivor-centered approach, adding a powerful angle to its narrative.”

- Negar Mohtashami, research assistant, Women’s Rights Division, Human Rights Watch

Credits

Amjad Al Rasheed

Director

Amjad Al Rasheed (he/him), a Jordanian director and writer born in 1985, has an MFA in Cinematic Arts with a concentration on Directing and Editing. In 2016 he was selected by Screen International as one of five "Arab Stars of Tomorrow" highlighting the up-and-coming young talents of the region. He attended the Talent Campus during the 57th Berlinale, after which he directed short films that garnered nominations and won prizes at various Arab and international film festivals.

Rula Nasser

Producer

Experienced Jordanian producer, Rula (she/her) started with BBC and Discovery Channel projects in the Middle East. Joined the Royal Film Commission in 2005. She founded "THE IMAGINARIUM FILMS" in 2011, focusing on local talent. Her recent films include The Alleys at Locarno film festival 2021, The Holy Spider by Ali Abbasi, and Rebel by Adil El Arabi and Bilal Fallah in 2022. Her latest achievement was Inchallah Wallad that premiered at Festival De Cannes in 2023 and was nominated for 96th Academy Awards (Oscars) in 2024.

Presented in partnership with: