2025 Blind Spot Series: Leila and the Wolves

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Official synopsis: A film that weaves together re-enactments, archive footage and fairy-tale sequences to create a testament to the history of Lebanese and Palestinian women to the political struggles of the twentieth century.

Commemorating its 40 year anniversary, Lebanese director Heiny Srour's film was recently restored and released in North American cinemas for the first time. Shot over the course of 7 years and often times in secret, it takes a look at the lives of women through the time traveling titular character, Leila. (Nabila Zeitouni)

It was impossible to watch this and think of my own privilege. Especially when you're met with such striking images like the women sitting on the beach, clad in full burkas while the men are allowed to frolic in bathing suits. It's a frustrating double standard that is not lost on me. I am a bit ashamed that this film was never on my radar prior to its re-release. This is a special Blind Spot. While my list is normally made up of films I've been meaning to watch for ages, this one is going to be one that should've been on my list all along. 

I think what Srour did here was pretty extraordinary. Leila serving as a guide through different time periods was enlightening. I'm not well versed on these periods of history in Lebanon, so I felt like I was learning as well as watching. That might not be the case for everyone, but it's still a very watchable film. 

Is Leila and the Wolves playing in a theater near you? If so, you should make it a point to go out and see it. 

Grade: B

Comments

  1. thevoid99April 11, 2025 at 3:25 PM

    OK, this is something obscure but I do see it is in my watchlist. I don't mind to learn about anything as I am more sympathetic with what Lebanese and the Palenstinians are going through as I cannot support a regime that wants to commit genocide. And I know there are Israelis who are innocent and are only guilty via association with the Jewish Hitler.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamApril 14, 2025 at 7:49 AM

      I feel for those Israelis as I do for non-Hamas Palenstinians. Poor choices made by leadership that are effecting innocents. I don't know how there will ever be a solution now.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousApril 12, 2025 at 8:06 AM

    I have never heard of this film and doubt it will be in my city but it sounds excellent. We do have it very good in North America. We may not still be considered equal but we can go after what we want. Look at Kamala Harris. We can wear what we want and be in it’s, Betsy, teeny weeny bikinis.

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    1. Brittani BurnhamApril 14, 2025 at 7:46 AM

      Yes, we do. Though at times it's just not as overt oppression as this.

      Delete
  3. joel65913April 13, 2025 at 10:35 PM

    This is one I haven't seen and I'm not familiar with, but it sounds worth seeing if the opportunity presents itself.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamApril 14, 2025 at 7:46 AM

      Hopefully you get the opportunity! I'd love to hear what you think.

      Delete

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