WEBSITE: http://www.shankaboot.com/
DIRECTOR: Amin Dora
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Chris Carey
PRODUCER: Katia Saleh
WRITERS: Bassem Breish, Lina Mounzer, James Payne
CAST: Hassan Akil, Samira Kawas, Juliana Yazbeck, Latife Saade, Rodney Haddad
Launched in March 2010 and now in its third season, Shankaboot, the first Arab web series, is also the web’s first dramedy in Beirut. With a cinema verite style, the well-produced series funded by the BBC World Service Trust with additional support from Zico House and The Welded Tandem Picture Company, follows the escapades of a teenaged (and quite acrobatic) delivery boy named Suleiman after he collides with beautiful 19 year old runaway Ruwaida on a Beirut road.
Shankaboot uses many “non-professional” actors (though by their subtle, authentic performances, they seem pretty adept) and a fast-paced, angular editing style to depict a feeling of urban life in the Middle East. Things quickly get heated and complicated for this likable bike messenger who dreams of escaping his marginalized life. If you’re a fan of foreign film, you will quickly be hooked on this stylish, socially relevant online show, which has broken ground for digital media in the Middle East, and also raised awareness for Lebanese urban youth culture.
** Make sure you select the closed captioning.
