Ali's Wedding (Jeffrey Walker, 2017) wr. Osamah Sami, Andrew Knight, dp Don McAlpine; Osamah Sami, Don Hany, Rahel Romahn, Helana Sawires; romcom; Sydney FF, June
Ali’s Wedding’s screenplay was adapted from Good Muslim Boy, a memoir by the charismatic actor Osamah Sami, who does a fine job playing himself. Sami also co-adapted the screenplay, working with veteran scribe Andrew Knight (whose recent work includes Hacksaw Ridge and The Water Diviner) on a neatly packaged script. The approach feels reminiscent of a standup comedian recounting a true story; the key details are right, the smaller ones fine-tuned and decorated. Luke Buckmaster, The Guardian.
The old traditions and culture of Muslim Australian families is the backdrop for this romantic comedy, but it also touches on real life drama, providing some ballast. The arranged marriage custom is as old as the hills and it has had a good workout recently with films such as 2015's Unindian ('marry your own kind' version) and The Big Sick (2017). And like the latter, Ali's Wedding derives its authenticity from the mix of true events and inspired writing. Andrew Urban, urbancinefile.
Garry Gillard | New: 21 October, 2017 | Now: 24 November, 2019