The Square – Filmmakers on the front line

The Square is an Oscar-nominated political/human rights documentary directed by Egyptian American filmmakerJehane Noujaim (startup.com, The Control Room). The film chronicles the roller coaster that is the ongoing Egyptian revolution. It is filmed in a unique, verite style, where viewers get transported into the chaotic world of protesters who attend mass rallies in Cairo’s Tahrir Square in a bid to overthrow their militant Egyptian President, Hosni Mubarak.

This is the story of young people, including, Islamists, Christians and Muslims who are willing to fight for freedom and democracy after 30 years of living under a dictator. From the get-go, we are emotionally involved and support all their efforts to expose the truth to the world via social media and you tube. Full credit must be given to Noujam and her crew for running cameras and cell-phone videos in dangerous conditions. We witness the Egyptian army threatening to crush non-violent protesters with military tanks, spraying tear gas, gun shots ringing out and street thugs terrorizing residents. The forced removal of Mubarak in 2011 is a satisfying moment but, unfortunately, new President Mohammed Morsi turns out to be a dud. The army end up running the country and the people are under a military regime yet again.

The detail, jittery camera work and improve acting are only some of the impressive elements of this guerrilla style doc. In particular, English actor Khalib Abdalla (United 93, The Kite Runner) turns out an impressive performance as one of the main faces of the revolution and really helps deepen our understanding. Ahmed Hassan plays a passionate activist and Magdy Ashour plays a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, he is not so much a radical as he is conflicted, under the control of Morsi.

The ever-changing political situation necessitated heavy editing, which would have helped secure an Oscar nomination as well as several accolades since it won the audience award at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Neflix made history by acquiring The Square as part of its original documentary initiative back in November.

Overall this is an up-close, poignant and well-orchestrated documentary. The Square, along with its brave cast, crew and passionate activists who have risked their lives deserve this Oscar.

One of the year’s best.