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A Thousand and One Hands

Name: A Thousand and One Hands
Director: Souheil Ben-Barka
Released: 1972
Duration: 60 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

1972

Director

Souheil Ben-Barka

Runtime

60 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Souheil Ben-Barka's film is a significant contribution to post-colonial cinema, emphasizing North African cultural heritage over Western narrative structures. By focusing on the ability to act of local populations involved in traditional crafts, the film stands out. While the film excels in ethnic specificity and communal storytelling, it adheres to traditional patriarchal structures. The main plot drivers are male, which narrows the scope of gender representation despite women's involvement in weaving. Overall, the film serves as a vital document of Moroccan identity. It shifts from individualistic pursuits to celebrating collective labor and indigenous craftsmanship.

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Category Breakdown

Does A Thousand and One Hands have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories. Instead, it focuses on family and community ties.

How does A Thousand and One Hands portray gender?

Fair

The story revolves around a male lineage through a dyer and his son. Women are shown as key contributors to the weaving process.

How racially and ethnically diverse is A Thousand and One Hands?

Excellent

This work deeply explores Moroccan identity by highlighting the ability to act and indigenous traditions of North Africans. It challenges Eurocentric views.

How does A Thousand and One Hands represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative highlights communal labor and traditional social structures. It presents a counter-narrative to Western industrial dominance through collective production.

Does A Thousand and One Hands include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no information about characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film.

Present on Screen

Strong emphasis on North African ethnic identity and authenticity.
Effective disruption of Eurocentric views through indigenous storytelling.
Celebration of communal labor and traditional artisanal practices.

Limited or Absent

Limited gender diversity due to a male-centric narrative structure.
Lack of representation for LGBTQ+ identities or non-straight relationships.
Absence of visible disability representation within the communal setting.

Official Synopsis

In Morocco, an old dyer and his young son Miloud work transporting wool packs. So begins this story in the hands of thousands of old men, women and children involved in meticulous weaving carpets.

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