Things Arab Men Say
This documentary paints a picture of Arab men that is vastly different from what we’re accustomed to. In this antidote to mainstream-media depictions of Arabs as terrorists and extremists, we get to meet Jay, Ghassan and their friends, who gather at Jamal’s Eden Barber Shop to discuss politics, religion and family over a cut and a shave. Often funny, sometimes sad, this engaging film documents the challenges these men face integrating into Canadian life while preserving their identity and culture.
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This documentary paints a picture of Arab men that is vastly different from what we’re accustomed to. In this antidote to mainstream-media depictions of Arabs as terrorists and extremists, we get to meet Jay, Ghassan and their friends, who gather at Jamal’s Eden Barber Shop to discuss politics, religion and family over a cut and a shave. Often funny, sometimes sad, this engaging film documents the challenges these men face integrating into Canadian life while preserving their identity and culture.
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writerNisreen Baker
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directorNisreen Baker
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producerBonnie Thompson
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executive producerDavid Christensen
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editorHans Olson
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director of photographyDaron DonahueaAron Munson
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additional cameraOliver Lessard
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data managementOliver Lessard
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sound recordistLarry MacDonaldGarrell Clark
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sound designJohn Blerot
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music composerAshraf El-Assaly
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music performerAshraf El-Assaly
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online editorKody Davidson
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colouristHerman Ansink
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closed captioningSteve NicholsAndy Toms
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transcriptionSharon Murphy
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translationNisreen Baker
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production coordinatorJasmine PullukattFaye Yoneda
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production supervisorMark Power
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marketing managerLeslie Stafford
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program administratorBree BeachGinette D'Silva
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centre operations managerDarin Clausen
The participants in Things Arab Men Say are expatriates, displaced from their countries of origin because of war or civil unrest. How have they come to terms with making Canada home? Most documentaries focus on differences rather than common traits—how does the filmmaker show the shared experiences of the Arab diaspora in this group of men? If you had to leave your homeland, what would you miss the most? How does this documentary push viewers towards examining their own bias?
