Hajjan
In the highly competitive world of Bedouin camel racing, Ghanim dreams of seizing victory in the annual Great Safwa Race to honor his legendary grandfather, known as Hajjan—“The Jockey.” After tragedy strikes when Ghanim is thrown off his mount by a mysterious golden rider, resulting in his death, Mattar, his younger brother, sets out to restore his family’s honor by becoming a Hajjan himself. His quest for justice becomes a battle for freedom, suffused with magical realism.
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This film left us speechless: The impressive landscape images, the poetry of the language, the emotionality of the music and the masterful use of light paired with the captivating story about the young orphan Matar were overwhelming. The Bedouin Matar stands out for his sense of justice and his high ethical standards in a merciless environment full of vanity and injustice. The absolute prioritisation of the welfare of his companion, the camel Hofira, and the appreciation of his family history characterise the actions of this excellent jockey. No money in the world, no prospect of victories and successes interest him, but only the peaceful, respectful coexistence with Hofira, for whom he himself would give his life. At the same time, we were able to immerse ourselves in a culture that is completely foreign to us and learn about its values, family structures and traditions.