REVIEWS
“Clearly, the film intends to hold up a mirror to Iraqi society at large, but its metaphoric quality is really the least interesting thing about it. More intriguing are the realistic glimpses of life outside the house, where director Rasheed is adept at conveying the anguishing atmosphere of occupied Baghdad...The on-target cast is a taciturn, sensitive lot, well directed by Rasheed in a measured, theatrical way. Of particular note is Osama Rasheed’s discreet cinematography, which wraps the film in an atmosphere of lost grandeur and melancholy, empty rooms.” –
Hollywood Reporter
“The entire film is suffused with an aura of waiting, furthering a strong impression that the characters' inability to move on is indicative of Iraq as a whole. Thankfully, the helmer avoids pushing the symbolism into something abstract, even when it becomes clear the home where most of the action takes place is a microcosm of the country...Where so much coming out of Iraq ends on a note of gloom, "Qarantina" offers hope of escape not from the country, but from the cycle of violence.” –
Variety
“Rasheed’s look at this post-Iraq-war family slowly juxtaposes suffering with unexpected flashes of loveliness in order to show what the long war has done to his people.” –
Seattle International Film Festival
“In Qarantina, Rasheed’s chronicle of daily survival delves into the intimacy of a family and a house. In many ways, they are a fragmented reflection of Iraq as it negotiates its post-war and post-occupation trauma.” -- Rasha Salti,
Abu Dhabi Film Festival
FESTIVALS & AWARDS
2010
Hubert Bals Fund, INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ROTTERDAM
Official Selection; New Horizons Afaq Jadida Competition, ABU DHABI FILM FESTIVAL
Special Jury Award, ORAN INTERNATIONAL ARAB FILM FESTIVAL
In Competition, WARSAW FILM FESTIVAL
2011
SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Official Selection, INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ROTTERDAM
GULF FILM FESTIVAL
MUNICH FILM FEST
