Al Majalla's Film Watch

Al Majalla's Film Watch column presents two recent films as examples of Arab and international cinema. The first, Fog of Gunpowder, is a documentary by Saad Tahaitah from Saudi Arabia. The film's inspiration came during preparations for a cousin's wedding, when the groom's father encouraged the revival of an old tradition called al-midqal.

This performance, characterized by men in traditional attire carrying matchlock rifles and firing gunpowder charges, is deeply rooted in the mountainous region of Asir and symbolises courage, strength, and hospitality.

Tahaitah's film explores the theme of collective memory, reflecting on what happens when a tradition is disrupted. The director's previous works also touched on regional art forms and memory, showcasing his fascination with the interplay between reality and imagination. Fog of Gunpowder received the Golden Palm for Best Documentary at the recent Saudi Film Festival, revealing Tahaitah's skill in creating a compelling narrative that connects the past with the present through historical and personal storytelling.