The Idol (2016)
A gifted musician from Gaza dares to chase the impossible, competing on Arab Idol in this stirring true story directed by Hany Abu-Assad.
The Idol - Movie Information
- Original Title: يا طير الطاير
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Hany Abu-Assad
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: Arabic
- Spoken Languages: Arabic
- Release Date (Theatrical): January 21, 2016 (KW), August 12, 2016 (United Kingdom - PG), December 1, 2016 (Germany - 0), May 10, 2017 (France - U), January 26, 2017 (Brazil), April 14, 2016 (Italy - T), June 3, 2016 (Spain), August 17, 2017 (South Korea - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Ya tayr el tayer (PS), 阿拉伯偶像 (CN)
- Production Companies: Mezza Terra Media, Fortress Film Clinic, Rawabi, DFI, Cactus World Films, Full Moon Productions, Majdal Films, KeyFilm, September Film, Dubai Film Market
- Production Countries: Netherlands, Palestinian Territory, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom
The Idol - Plot
Mohammed Assaf, an aspiring musician living in Gaza, sets a seemingly impossible goal: to compete on the program "Arab Idol."
The Idol - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Mohammed Assaf's extraordinary journey begin:
Where to Watch The Idol
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The Idol - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Hany Abu-Assad
Main Cast
- Tawfeek Barhom
- Qais Attaallah
- Hiba Attalah
- Ahmad Qasem
- Abdel Kareem Barakeh
- Teya Hussein
- Dima Awawdeh
- Ahmed Al Rokh
- Saber Shreim
- Amer Hlehel
Writers
- Hany Abu-Assad
- Sameh Zoabi
Producers
- Ali Jaafar
- Amira Diab
The Idol - FAQs
Is The Idol based on a true story?
Yes, The Idol is based on the real-life story of Mohammed Assaf, a Palestinian singer from Gaza who won the Arab Idol competition in 2013. His journey from the besieged Gaza Strip to regional superstardom became an extraordinary symbol of hope and resilience for Palestinians worldwide.
Who plays Mohammed Assaf in The Idol?
Tawfeek Barhom portrays the adult Mohammed Assaf in the film, delivering a compelling and emotionally resonant performance. Qais Attaallah plays the younger version of Mohammed, capturing his early passion for music and the formative experiences that shaped his extraordinary journey.
Where can you watch The Idol online?
The Idol is available to rent or buy on several digital platforms including Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming and purchase options available in your region.
Who directed The Idol?
The Idol was directed by Hany Abu-Assad, the acclaimed Palestinian-Dutch filmmaker best known for Paradise Now (2005) and Omar (2013), both of which received Academy Award nominations for Best Foreign Language Film. Abu-Assad also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Sameh Zoabi.
What is The Idol about?
The Idol follows Mohammed Assaf, a gifted young musician growing up in the Gaza Strip who dreams of competing on the Arab world's most popular singing competition, Arab Idol. The film traces his journey from childhood friendships and musical beginnings to his audacious pursuit of a stage that seems impossibly out of reach.
What genre is The Idol?
The Idol is a biographical drama with elements of comedy. It blends the uplifting energy of a music competition story with the emotional weight of life under siege in Gaza, creating a film that is both inspiring and deeply human in its portrayal of perseverance and artistic ambition.
How long is The Idol?
The Idol has a runtime of 100 minutes, approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. The film moves at an engaging pace, balancing intimate character moments with the mounting tension of Mohammed Assaf's audacious bid to reach the Arab Idol stage against formidable odds.
Did The Idol win any awards?
The Idol received strong critical acclaim upon its international release and was screened at numerous film festivals worldwide. Hany Abu-Assad's reputation as a two-time Oscar-nominated director brought significant attention to the film, and it was widely praised for its heartfelt storytelling and Tawfeek Barhom's standout lead performance.
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