“Welsh-Egyptian Sally El Hosaini brings sensitivity, distinctive identity and an invigorating adrenaline charge to a story of criminally inclined East London youth in her dynamic first feature.” — Hollywood Reporter
Screened as part of NZIFF 2012
My Brother the Devil 2012
There’s a distinct sensitivity to Sally El Hosaini’s tale of gangsta brothers that she attributes in part to her gender: it’s easier to delve behind the macho fronts when you’re not presenting one of your own.
“Welsh-Egyptian Sally El Hosaini’s crackling debut feature slyly deceives us into believing it’s a familiar street-gang story of fraternal bonds destined to be broken by crime. But midway through this propulsive, stylishly shot drama set in an East London ‘hood, sexual awakening rears its head. That adds entirely fresh layers to the film’s exploration of codes of masculinity, cultural roots and environmental conditioning… While on the surface, this is a variation on boyz-in-the-‘hood dramatic staples, the film is rooted in anglicized Arab culture yet universally accessible in its reflections on identity issues. It’s a very promising debut – slick, muscular, entertaining and emotionally satisfying.” — David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter