Speed Sisters
Spring Grant 2014 - Post-Production Stage
Amber Fares / Feature Documentary / Palestine, United States of America, Qatar / 2014 / 80 min / Colour / Original Language: Arabic, English / Interests: Action, Women, Coming of age, Documentary, Middle Eastern, Politics, Sports, Social Issues, Family, Friendship, Identity
Synopsis
Meet Marah, Mona, Betty, Noor and Maysoon – the first all-woman rally-racing team in the Middle East. Passionate, dedicated and tough as nails, these five women are taking the auto-racing world of Palestine by storm, one screeching doughnut at a time.
Given the state of affairs in Palestine, it might come as a surprise that the nation has an organised racing culture in the first place. In fact, the Palestine Racing Federation owns no land and operates its events in empty lots, while drivers practise their techniques anywhere they can find enough space. Supported by their families, their friends and the racing community at large, the team members face down criticism, disappointment, arbitrary rulings and the ever-present restrictions brought about by the Israeli military occupation.
Director Amber Fares gains intimate access to the daily lives of her subjects, leaving no doubt that they were born to drive, but also finding the quieter moments that show us where their inner strength springs from. Fuelled by gasoline, girl power, the desire for freedom and a kickin’ soundtrack, ‘Speed Sisters’ paints a high-octane portrait of a group of charismatic and resilient women who are living their lives on their own terms – and finding the glory they richly deserve.
Credits
- Director
- Amber Fares
- Producer
- Amber Fares, Avi Goldstein, Jessica Devaney
- Production Company
- SocDoc Studios
About the Director
Amber Fares, a Canadian-born filmmaker with Lebanese roots, resides in Ramallah. In the aftermath of 9/11, she left her career marketing some of Canada’s biggest brands to deepen her understanding of life in the Middle East. In response to her experience, Fares co-founded SocDoc Studios to produce story-driven films that explore social issues. ‘Ghetto Town’ (2009), her directorial debut short, has been shown at film festivals around the world. ‘Speed Sisters’ is her first feature-length documentary.
Awards and Festival History
Festivals
Ajyal Youth Film Festival 2014, Opening Film (WP)
CPH:DOX 2015
Hot Docs 2015, Canadian Spectrum
Melbourne International Film Festival 2015
Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival 2015
Sheffield Doc/Fest 2015
!f Istanbul Independent Film Festival
Peace and Sport Documentary Prize, Sportel Awards
Audience Award for Best Feature, Irish Film Institute Doc Fest
Jury Award for Best Documentary, Adelaide Film Festival
Best Documentary, Vail Film Festival
Youth Jury Award (Prix Averroès Junior) and R