Still from Being Osama
Still from Being Osama
 

Being Osama

by Mahmoud Kaabour & Tim Schwab
An intimate exploration of six men with highly diverse backgrounds, interests and personalities, united by their first names.
2004  ·  45m  ·  Canada
English
French subs
About the Film
Shot against the cultural backdrop of Montreal, the film follows the six Osamas from the time of the American invasion of Iraq in March of 2003 to the anti-WTO demonstrations in late July of the same year. Touching on subjects as diverse as Arab names, rock-n-roll, religion, Middle East politics, weddings, funerals and the meaning of identity, Being Osama is a sensitive and thoughtful portrait of six unique individuals and of the new Canada in which they live. Through a series of interviews and by observing their daily lives, the film explores how sharing a first name with the world’s most notorious terrorist can shape perception and prejudice. Touching upon such subjects as Arab names, rock-n-roll, religion, stereotypes, Middle East politics, marriage, mortality and the meaning of identity, BEING OSAMA is a sensitive and thoughtful portrait of these six unique individuals. “The film depicts the diversity of Arabs and Arab cultures as well as the contradictions with the stereotypes…a serio-comic documentary with an authentic voice.” –The Montreal Mirror
Upcoming Screenings

Stay tuned for upcoming screenings!

Festivals and Awards
2004
Big Muddy Film Festival at Southern Illinois University, Winner, Best Documentary
2004
Canadian National Youth Film Festival, Winner, Aurora Award
Editor
Yurij Luhovy
Producer
Ari A. Cohen
Cinematographer
Andrei Khabad
Soundtrack Composer
Sam Shalabi
Writer
Mahmoud Kaabour

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