Amin Matalqa, CAPTAIN ABU RAED Jordanian film director, writer: Mr. Media Radio Interview

Captain Abu Raed director Amin Matalqa gives Mr. Media a cinematic view of Jordan!

Captain Abu Raed was Jordan’s official selection in this year's competition for a Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award. Written and directed by Amin Matalqa, and starring Nadim Sawalha, Captain Abu Raed is a powerful, deeply moving story of unexpected events and ordinary people we meet along life’s journey who shape our destiny.

Beautifully shot, this Arab foreign language film is a compelling narrative that does not preach religion or politics – a true gem of a film that will linger in your heart long after the credits have stopped rolling.

Captain Abu Raed was conceived from a challenge Emmy award-winning executive producer David Pritchard (The Simpsons, King of the Hill, Family Guy) presented to Matalqa: “Write an original Arab language feature film that Charlie Chaplin would want to be in.”

Matalqa responded to the challenge by creating a universal story about dreams, friendship, forgiveness, and sacrifice. Captain Abu Raed touches on how someone’s wardrobe can define them in the eyes of others. An airline pilot’s hat takes center stage in the story, but instead of the “Little Tramps” bowler, it is an airport janitor’s hat that transforms him to a higher social status.