Shahada

Afghan-German writer and director Burhan Qurbani makes a solid debut with this compelling drama about several young Muslims struggling with their faith living in the West. The three main characters in question are a young Turkish girl who enjoys her freedom doing drugs and club until she becomes pregnant which leads her to an illegal abortion that leads to her downward spiral; a young boy of African decent who struggles to come to terms with his homosexuality when a co-worker falls for him and tests his faith; a young cop who has accidentally killed the child of an illegal immigrant mother that threatens his sanity and his family. All the characters clash with their environment and religion either seems a refuge or the cause of their struggle. While the story is set in Berlin, it could take place anywhere in the world where young Muslims live and their faith clashes with the local culture. Qurbani along with his talented cast and crew make a powerful film with an universal appeal that will resonate with many across the world as Islam continues to clash with local cultures. YRCinema's coverage of films at the Marché du Film at the 63rd Festival de Cannes.