Home / Arts and Entertainment / Filmmaker Tackles Taboo: Mother's Love vs. Mental Illness
Filmmaker Tackles Taboo: Mother's Love vs. Mental Illness
3 Dec
Summary
- New film "Sink" explores schizoaffective disorder and a mother's denial.
- Director Zain Duraie faced rejection for not being 'Jordanian enough'.
- Regional funders supported the film, valuing its universality and personal story.
Jordanian filmmaker Zain Duraie's feature "Sink" offers a poignant exploration of schizoaffective disorder and a mother's deep-seated denial. The film centers on Nadia, who struggles to confront her son Basil's deteriorating mental state, overlooking critical warning signs.
Duraie faced challenges with Western funders who sought stereotypical narratives, deeming her personal story not 'Jordanian enough.' Instead, she found vital support from Arab partners like the Jordan Film Fund and Doha Film Institute, who embraced the film's universality and emotional depth. This regional backing allowed for creative independence.
The film employs striking visual metaphors, particularly water and silence, to convey the mother's internal world and denial. "Sink" has resonated deeply with audiences, with viewers expressing gratitude for its humanizing portrayal of mental illness and a mother's unwavering love, marking Duraie as a significant new voice in Arab cinema.
