Amal

Amal is a 2023 Belgian-French co-produced drama directed by Jawad Rhalib, who co-wrote the screenplay with David Lambert and Chloé Léonil. Shot in French, the film stars Lubna Azabal as Amal, a literature teacher at a Brussels high school. The supporting cast includes Fabrizio Rongione, Catherine Salée, Kenza Benboutcha, Johan Heldenbergh, Babetida Sadjo, and Mehdy Khachachi.

The story follows Amal, whose decision to teach the works of the Arabic poet Abu Nuwas provokes resistance from her community and leaves her increasingly isolated. The film premiered worldwide on 12 October 2023 at the 50th Ghent Film Festival and was praised for its treatment of the tension between personal convictions and social expectations, as well as for its writing and performances. At the 14th Magritte Awards it earned nine nominations, including Best Film and Best Director, and won Best Actress for Azabal.