The feminist dramedy was one of three Arabic-language films included in the Cairo Film Festival international competition. “Daughters of Abdul-Rahman”This documentary shows how many Jordanian females put patriarchal society’s expectations ahead of their personal desires, and the collateral consequences. After world premiering in Egypt, the debut feature of director-writer-producer Zaid Abu Hamdan will segue to the Red Sea Festival in Saudi Arabia.
The inspiration for the plot came from the multi-hyphenate’s own mother, as he realized that she had been unable to achieve her private aspirations. He stated: “Having to be the perfect eldest sister, then a young wife living up to the social standards expected of her, then a mother to four boys, all that seemed to put her personal plans on hold.”
Abu Hamdan eventually sent 300 surveys out to Jordanian women from various religious, educational, socio-economic backgrounds. The results were so disturbing that Abu Hamdan had to reevaluate the country he loved and considered his home. He said, “So many of the women fantasized about screaming their truth and shouting out their anger.”
Abu Hamdan was not able to imagine casting the four semi-estranged sisters in the title. Abu Hamdan wanted them to be credible relatives and show familial chemistry.
Saba Mubarek (Jordan-born international superstar) was the first to sign. She assumed the roles of executive producer as well as Amaal (the most conservative) among the sisters. Abu Hamdan recalls: “It was a tricky decision as I wrote Amaal to be an overweight ‘typical’ housewife and her face is almost fully covered in many scenes of the film. Saba has a beautiful figure and a very known face … she’s the sexy diva! After several discussions, something in my gut told me that her eyes alone are strong and expressive enough that she can give me that magic from behind the burqa, and so she did.”
Abu Hamdan thought of Farah Bseiso, a Syrian-born actress, as his eldest sibling Zainab, while he was writing the script. But as he geared up for production, he couldn’t locate her. He claims: “She had quit her long and successful career and took off to the US with her family.”In the meantime, he cast Samah, a Palestinian citizen from Israel Hannan Hillo in the role of the sexy sister. He said, “She had a hippy vibe when I saw her audition tape, yet, she just had my character’s soul somewhere in there.”
Abu Hamdan found Bseiso after Hillo joined the cast. However, she didn’t plan to retire. She promised to review the script and give feedback. Abu Hamdan said: “Three days later, Farah sent an email saying that Zainab is the role that will be her comeback. I was over the moon! This email is printed on A3 paper above my desk.”
Khitam was the final piece of this puzzle. After Mariam Basha’s audition, which was nominated for her Oscar-nominated Palestinian short, we were able to see the final piece of the puzzle. “The Present,” Abu Hamdan knew, “Bingo! I have the daughters of Abdul-Rahman.”
Abu Hamdan’s directing career includes short films, episodes of “Sesame Street,”He is happy with his current niche, despite the possibility of other content such as sport shows. He stated, “My latest work was MAC Cosmetic’s Ramadan miniseries “Qata’ef,”Vogue Arabia featured five stunning women. It was clear to me that I enjoy working with actresses and empowered female characters who have a unique point of view. [is] a challenge that I adore.” His next feature film, now in development, also centers around a woman, but of a very different type.