‘Bite of Bread’ is a short film entered into the Tropfest Arabia 2012 competition which won 3rd place and best male actor. It’s a great film!
It highlights what a lot of people living in poverty in the Middle East have to go through, often not having secure homes, let alone a roof over their heads, living on building sites which believe it or not is something i’ve seen a lot recently in my travels through the Middle East. The thing that made this film really stand out is it puts across a message and explains it so simply but in such deep in such a short space of time. The work the male lead does, finding a iron nail in his food, using that to sew his broken jeans, using it to hang his shirt on… they are all very straightforward concepts but allow you to understand the life of this man and his difficulties.
There has honestly been so many great films entered into the Tropfest competition throughout the years. ‘At First Sight’ (directed by Sherif Mokbel) is a finalist from last years Tropfect Arabia competition that truly stood out. Dana Dajani, who plays a blind woman who regains her sight, was awarded best actress.
“Tropfest is the world’s largest short filmfestival. It has also become known as the world’s first truly global film festival.
Tropfest began in 1993 as a screening for 200 people in a cafe in Sydney but has since become the largest platform for short films in the world.
Tropfest distinguishes itself from other events by being a “content generation” platform, rather than merely an exhibition platform. Filmmakers are required to create new works for the festival which must include an item, known as the “Tropfest Signature Item” (TSI) and which changes each year. The films must be less than 7 minutes (including titles and credits) and be world premieres at the Tropfest event.
Tropfest’s prize pool is one of the richest in the short film arena, and includes international trips to develop filmmaking careers and “work experience” with top filmmakers. As a result, Tropfest has become known as the undisputed premiere launch pad for filmmaking careers, although to date this has been most notable in Australia, where many commercial and critical successes are directed by Tropfest alumni.” (Wikipedia)
Click here to visit the Tropfest Arabia website and here for their Youtube page.
The Artiste Of The Middle East 