In the lead up to the 7th Canadian Film Festival in Australia (August 2012), join us as we countdown the Top 100 Canadian Films of the past 30 years. We'll be posting one film a day leading up to Canada Day on July 1st 2012. Do you agree with our staff favourites? Let us know your thoughts!
Sabah is an uplifting romantic comedy about a Muslim family living in Canada, and the familial and cultural conflicts that arise when a member of that family falls in love with a Canadian.
The central character, Sabah, has lived a quiet life. After her father died, Sabah's brother became the man of the house and enforced his traditional values upon the family. He was the sole bread winner, with Sabah staying at home to take care of their (quite capable) mother.
Sabah has done little to break the family rules over the years, until she meets a man while swimming at the local pool. She falls in love with the Canadian carpenter with deep blue eyes who shows her love, respect, and how to live a little; the only problem? He's not Muslim.
Sabah tries her best to keep the relationship a secret; however, after staying the night at her new man's house, she's forced to confront the family and tell them the truth about her affair. The film brings up issues surrounding religion, family and conformity, and has a Romeo and Juliet feel, as the two lovers struggle to be together against their families’ wishes.
Sabah is super sweet and heart-warming - definitely a feel good movie for the romantically inclined. I like that the characters are not typical Hollywood beauties; there is something a little more real and authentic about Sabah. She even sports a very nice mono-brow!
The film has been described as a MUCH funnier and better written cousin to My Big Fat Greek Wedding which, let's face it, was a flop. The relationship between the two central characters evolves slowly and naturally. Sabah is not about a white man helping a Muslim woman find happiness: it's a film about one lovely lady's journey as she realises her independence and, in doing so, discovers herself.
I think this is also director Ruba Nadda's first ever feature! Props to you, Ms. Nadda!
-Adele Moleta
"Although Ruba Nadda is dealing with a serious subject, she has a lightness of touch which stops this film from slumping into depression." (Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Film)
To see the other films in the countdown so far, click here.