DESTINY
Direction/Screenplay: YOUSSEF CHAHINE
137 MIN., COLOR, 1998, 35mm/video In Arabic w/English subtitles  
Cast: Nour-el-Cheif, Laila Eloui, Mahmoud Hemeida, Khaled el-Nabaoui, Safia el-Emary  

DESTINY is an action adventure spectacular about the 12th century Spanish-Arabian philosopher Averroles and his fight for free speech, literacy, and rationalism in Medieval Spain. Featuring raging battle scenes, philosophical discourses, rousing gypsy songs and dance, and stunning medieval architecture (the film was shot on location in Syria and Lebananon) Destiny is a genre bending historical epic with a contemporary message about the excesses of religious fundamentalism.

Award Winner:
Cannes Film Festival: Cannes 50th Anniversary Film Achievement Award
1998 New York Film Festival official selection

"Rip-roaring entertainment...A hot blooded action adventure" -STEPHEN HOLDEN, NEW YORK TIMES

"One of the year's Ten Best Films...A big, lush, boldly kitch piece of political pop"
-VILLAGE VOICE

"A Stunning historical epic"
-TIME OUT NY

***1/2*
-DAVE KEHR, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS