The film presents a Bedouin story of brotherhood and betrayal set in Wadi Rum in 1916. Theeb (Wolf) lives with his Bedouin tribe in a forgotten corner of the Ottoman Empire. Having recently lost his father, it falls to Theeb’s brother, Hussein to raise him. Hussein tries to teach Theeb the Bedouin way of life, but the young boy is more interested in mischief than mentorship.

Their lives interrupted with the arrival of a British Officer and his guide on a mysterious mission. Unable to refuse offering help to his guests and out of fear of dishonouring his late father’s reputation, Hussein agrees to escort the pair to their destination, a water-well on the old pilgrimage route to Mecca. Fearful of losing his brother, Theeb chases after Hussein and embarks on a treacherous journey across the Arabian Desert. Since the outbreak of the First World War, this harsh terrain has become the hunting ground of Ottoman mercenaries. If Theeb is so to survive, he must quickly learn about adulthood, trust and betrayal. He must live up to the name his father gave him.

This screening is part of the Jordanian Film Month at Dar El-Nimer, in partnership with the Royal Film Commission – Jordan

Directed by Naj Abu Nowar

2014 | 1h 40min



Arabic with English subtitles