The Yemeni film "The Burdened" won the Gold Hugo Award this week in the New Directors Competition at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival.
Shot in the director's hometown of Aden, the film follows the struggle of the couple Isra'a and Ahmed as they try to make a go of it in a country struck by misery and poverty. Pregnant with her fourth child, Isra'a wants to have an abortion. This is what the film is all about, showing a country where the lack of resources is a daily occurrence. The script is inspired by a true story.
"I love my city very much and I think it should be documented and shown to the world - the heritage, the buildings, the streets, the culture" - Amr Gamal.
The film had its world premiere in the Panorama section of the Berlin International Film Festival, won the Amnesty International Film Award and took second place in the Audience Award.