REBEL
Belgium resident Kamal Wasaki is a local rap celebrity known for his lavish music videos, tight-knit crew, and penchant for a fast-and-furious motorcycle lifestyle. But when his underhanded dealings cause irreparable harm to the family business and strain family bonds, he travels to Syria seeking redemption. He plans to aid war victims but is quickly coerced into working for the Islamic State. When a viral video of Kamal’s activities spreads throughout his hometown, his single mother, Leila, and impressionable 12-year-old brother, Nassim, must navigate the social fallout. This includes Leila’s fight to thwart local radicals’ attempts to recruit Nassim to the jihad cause. REBEL is an intimate study of radicalization and extremism’s impact on the family. Directing team Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, directors of BAD BOYS FOR LIFE and the now infamously cancelled BATGIRL, bring their trademark swagger to this bold cinematic experience that seamlessly blends action, drama, and musical genres. Unique and gutsy, the thought-provoking film provides insight into a rarely depicted perspective while affirming anti-radicalization.
CAST: Aboubakr Bensaihi, Lubna Azabal, Tara Abboud
In Competition: Narrative Feature
All sales are final. Admission is not guaranteed after scheduled start time.
CLICK HERE to return to the complete 31stPhiladelphia Film Festival schedule.