Bedouin Filmmakers Take Center Stage with Sapir Film Grant

Hala Abu Frih and Nasra Azbarga

It’s a moment of triumph for Israel’s Bedouin society: two artists from Rahat, in the Negev, have been awarded a prestigious grant to produce short films as part of the renowned film incubator at Sapir Academic College. The winners, selected by the jury and representing the Raha Contemporary Art Center, are Hala Abu Frih and Nasra Azbarga. Each will receive a grant of 140,000 shekels. This major success is a great hope for a community that, in recent years, has seen a surge in cultural and educational initiatives. It marks a significant step forward for a society still shaped by traditional constraints.

Behind the Camera, a Quiet Revolution

Nasra Azbarga and Hala Abu Frih are true pioneers and influential figures in Bedouin art and culture in Rahat. Both are committed members of the Culture and Arts Department at the Rahat Community Center and proudly lead the Raha Contemporary Art Center, inaugurated in 2022. This unique space champions local female creativity while maintaining a strong connection to Bedouin cultural identity. Graduates with honors from the Culture, Production and Creativity program at Sapir Academic College, these determined women represent a new generation of cultural leaders.

“Their journey reflects a deep commitment to meaningful work. Through a powerful and engaged approach, they have worked tirelessly to promote contemporary Bedouin art—particularly women’s art—in the public sphere. At the Rahat Community Center, we see them as pillars of the city’s cultural activity. We are convinced that Rahat’s women artists must be placed at the forefront. Only by doing so we can build an environment that respects the diversity and unique voice of Bedouin women,” said Foad Zeadna, Director of the Rahat Community Center.

Nasra Azbarga was awarded the grant for her short film The Lineage, in which she explores fractures within Bedouin society. The film shines a light on the painful issue of inter-family violence—crime, feuds, and revenge between rival families remain rampant in this community, which struggles to stem the tide. Through personal testimonies, memories, and unanswered questions, she reveals the internal conflict between family loyalty and the call for justice, the painful silence surrounding domestic violence, and the urgent need to break this vicious cycle—especially when it targets women. The story becomes a powerful collective cry.

In The Jumiza Tree, Hala Abu Frih revisits her childhood in the village of Karkur, near Rahat. At the heart of the memory is a unique and ancient Jumiza tree—a silent witness to secrets, dreams, laughter, and tears. Through this tree, she tells her personal story and that of an entire generation torn between tradition and modernity.

The success of Nasra Azbarga and Hala Abu Frih has moved far beyond local enthusiasm. It represents a cultural turning point, reflecting a broader vision of community empowerment and identity-building.

“This achievement reflects the Community Center’s commitment to cultivating authentic cultural leadership—rooted in heritage and inspired by the ancient Bedouin ethos of hospitality, mutual respect, deep listening, and love of the land and others. At a time when many communities are searching for meaning and support, the Rahat Community Center offers a model of local culture that invests in the younger generation and builds bridges between past and future,” said Foad Zeadna.

The Community Center: A Launchpad for Tomorrow’s Artists

At the Rahat Community Center, young artists are seen as new voices in the cultural fabric of the Bedouin community—and often, of future generations as well. Support is not limited to one-off opportunities, but rather grounded in a sincere, holistic process and a genuine partnership.

“We offer safe creative spaces, professional mentorship from experienced artists, workshops, opportunities for exhibitions and collaborations. This helps build confidence and allows artists to develop a personal artistic language while gaining exposure to the broader Israeli and international art world,” added Foad Zeadna.

Foad Zeadna

However, the recognition won by Nasra Azbarga and Hala Abu Frih doesn't erase the challenges faced by artists within the Arab Bedouin society of the Negev. Despite significant progress and growing appreciation for Bedouin art, there is still a long road ahead. A key obstacle remains the lack of accessible and suitable cultural infrastructure, especially in peripheral and unrecognized villages.

As a result, many artists must work in difficult conditions or travel to major cities—a solution not always accessible to all. Public spaces themselves are not always welcoming or open to female artists and often impose invisible, yet rigid, constraints. Women’s art remains a fragile field—caught between the respect for tradition and the desire for freedom.

“Within the community, there is an internal duality—between the will to preserve Bedouin values and the need for personal expression. The Bedouin artist’s voice—especially that of women—seeks to reconcile loyalty to heritage with a call for innovation, change, and at times, courageous self-criticism. That is why the Community Center serves as an essential anchor, truly believing in the power of cultural education as the foundation of a united and successful community. We stand with them and for them, in defense of their right to create,” said Foad Zeadna.

Toward a New Bedouin Auteur's Cinema

Signs of a significant revival are increasingly visible in the cinema of southern Israel, and in Bedouin cinema in particular. A notable milestone was the breakthrough success of Eid, a film by director Youssef Abu Madegem, at the 2024 Jerusalem International Film Festival.

Based on a true story, Eid follows a young Bedouin man dreaming of emancipation through the creation of his own theater—but has to face his destiny : to be married off against his will to a woman he didn’t choose, who symbolizes a prison. Voted Best Film at the Festival, Eid has opened the door for dozens of young Negev filmmakers who now dare to imagine themselves both in front of and behind the camera.

In parallel, the groundbreaking work of Rana Abu Friha—the first female Bedouin filmmaker—with her feature film, has offered a powerful expression of courage and modern vision. Her artistic act challenges the boundaries of space, language, gender, and identity. Still, it must be acknowledged that Bedouin cinema continues to struggle for survival. The lack of infrastructure, public support, and institutional recognition significantly hampers the flourishing of local creativity.

“Even when there’s inspiration, powerful stories, and talented creators, the journey from idea to screen is steep and complex. Many young Bedouin artists also face barriers to accessing technology—or even skepticism from their surroundings about the legitimacy of cinema as a field. Once again, the Community Center plays a critical role in helping them see their projects through,” said Foad Zeadna.

According to Foad, the grant awarded to Nasra Azbarga and Hala Abu Frih must act as a catalyst. It sends a clear signal to the younger generation: local talent is being recognized, and a path is open between Rahat and the centers of creativity and academia in Israel. It’s an important spark for building bridges between tradition and innovation.

What Future for Cinema in Rahat?

The future of cinema in Rahat holds immense promise—especially since the launch of the Rahat International Film Festival three years ago. This festive event now draws numerous film lovers every year, gathered around major Israeli and international films.

“We see cinema as an educational, social, and political tool—one that allows the community to raise its voice, shape its own narrative, and build a promising future. We are striving to establish stable infrastructure for future films and for an entire movement that will reshape the cultural landscape of Israel. Rahat can play a pioneering role in the future of both Bedouin and Israeli cinema—but only if we choose to invest, to listen, and to believe,” concluded Foad Zeadna.

Bedouin culture is undergoing a profound transformation—carried by women who dare to create, tell their stories, and dream differently. Through them, an entire community is affirming its right to expression, dignity, and modernity.

Caroline Haïat