Still from Chronicles from the Siege (2026), directed by Abdallah Alkhatib.
Still from Chronicles from the Siege (2026), directed by Abdallah Alkhatib.
Chronicles from the Siege
Directed by Abdallah Al-Khatib (Algeria, France, and Palestine, 2026, 98 min.). Arabic with English subtitles.
The lives of a group of ordinary people are turned upside down when their city is besieged, forcing each of them to confront impossible choices in pursuit of survival in a war zone. Bodies and minds are equally under attack, and ordinary people are forced to reckon with starvation, inadequate medical treatment, snipers, and bomb blasts. Yet they continue to live, seeking friendship, love, intimacy, and the pleasure of a cigarette. A small group of cinephiles sheltering in their neighborhood video store is confronted with the moral conundrum of whether or not to burn the movies they have rented—and cherish—to keep warm. The mental impact of the siege is boldly expressed in writing on the door of one of the characters, which reads: “I don’t see my life outside the confines of the siege. And I don’t see an end to the siege outside of the confines of my life.”
Winner of the Best First Feature award at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Wheelchair accessible
With English subtitles
Partner Film Series
The MFA is proud to partner with local organizations to showcase films reflecting the rich variety of cultures and perspectives in and around Boston. These collaborations foster dialogue and bring communities together through a shared engagement with cinema. Views expressed by our film partners are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Museum.
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