Palestinian filmmaker Ameen Nayfeh, known for his drama “200 Meters,” is directing “Jo of Montreal,” a family-friendly adventure film set in Jordan. The project was motivated by a desire to create films for younger audiences in West Asia, a segment largely ignored by the independent film scene.
The film centers on Yusuf (Hamzah Baareh), a 12-year-old boy who visits family in Jordan and becomes stranded in a remote village. He forms a bond with Abu Khalil (Kamel El Basha), a retired teacher-turned-shepherd, and rediscovers his heritage while helping with a historical reenactment of the area’s crusader-era castle, Montreal. Yusuf also uses social media to promote the castle and Abu Khalil’s work.
Nayfeh explained that after the success of “200 Meters,” about a Palestinian family separated by the wall dividing Israel from the Occupied Territories, he wanted to tell a story that would appeal to children. His nieces, who appeared in “200 Meters,” couldn’t find age-appropriate films to watch afterward, inspiring him to create “Jo of Montreal.”
Producer Bassam Alasad of Dubai-based Creative Media Solutions (CMS) agreed to support the project, recognizing the lack of “feel-good” family films in the Arab world and Middle East. Alasad described the film as hopeful and inspiring, grounded in realism. Nayfeh faced initial resistance, with some suggesting he should only make films about Palestine. He and his team were told as much directly by people in the film industry, including juries and decision-makers.
The film is described as “‘Theeb’ meets ‘The Karate Kid’, but with no karate,” focusing on themes of mentorship, belonging, and the imagination of a young Arab boy. When a development scheme threatens Abu Khalil’s home and the village, Yusuf unites former rivals to protect Montreal’s heritage.
Read the original coverage
💬 Comments
📜 Comment Policy