In Between

Palestinian director Maysaloun Hamoud received a huge backlash in her home country with the release of her debut feature film: a fatwa was even issued against her. Why all the fuss? ‘In Between’ is about three Israeli-Palestinian women living in a flat in Tel Aviv: party animals Layla and Salma, and the more traditional Nour. It features drugs, booze, a lot of partying and some lesbianism. Little wonder that it wasn’t a hit with the conservative Muslim community.

‘In Between’ is a great film. The performances are fantastic – as the gorgeous, headstrong Laila, Mouna Hawa is mesmerising. It’s not always uplifting but it is compassionate and intelligent. When the central characters tell douchebags to go take a hike, I defy anyone in the audience not to do a little whoop for these inspiring women. But the biggest cheer should go to the brilliant Hamoud for bringing this story to our screens.