Book of Sun

Book of Sun is an engrossing 2020 drama-comedy film, originally titled "Shams Al-Maaref", set against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia's burgeoning technological environment, directed by Faris Godus. It boasts an assortment of talent in its cast, including Sohayb Godus, Baraa Alem, and Ismail Alhassan. The film holds the distinction of being among the first few productions to emerge from the nascent film industry in Saudi Arabia, after the national lift of a 35-year cinema ban.

Centered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the narrative is grounded in the friendship between the main characters, Husam and Maan. Husam, portrayed by Sohayb Godus, is a high school graduate whose dreams far exceed the opportunities available to him. He is defined by his immense passion for filmmaking. The character Maan, portrayed by Baraa Alem, is a defiant yet inspiring character, who is fully invested in Husam's cinematic vision and joins him on this joyous ride.

Husam and Maan are ambitious and spirited, ready to conquer the world with their dream of making a feature film. They embark on their journey in a country that's just opening up to the idea of local cinema. Their quest might seem simple on paper, but in reality, it's anything but. Lacking funding, equipment, and a professional crew, they face the Herculean task of realizing their ambitions against a backdrop of cultural, financial, and technological constraints.

Husam and Maan deal with a myriad of demanding situations by resorting to shrewd problem-solving techniques, reflecting the timeless resourcefulness of youth. They navigate their trials with wit, charm, and a touch of comic relief that punctuates even the direst of circumstances. Exemplifying true camaraderie, their infectious energy resonates throughout the narrative, making it a truly enjoyable watch.

Book of Sun serves as a testament to the power of dreams and the enduring trance of cinema. Despite having relatively inexperienced co-stars, Godus and Alem deliver performances filled with earnestness and warmth that promise a bright future for Saudi cinema. They are ably supported by Ismail Alhassan and a slew of other supporting casts who bring in their individual charm and light-hearted banter to make it a wholesome cinematic fiesta.

Apart from the plot, the film also shines on a technical level. The cinematography beautifully captures the intricate landscapes, the bustling cities, and the ordinary miracles of everyday life in Saudi Arabia. The film's attention to realistic detail also benefits from an adept screenplay, which is punctuated with humor, high spirit, and, at the same time, equipped with the weight to address more prominent issues.

The layered narrative successfully explores themes of friendship, inspiration, relentless pursuit, and resilience through the challenges faced by the lead characters. It captures the zeitgeist of a generation hungry for expression and captures a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabian history, where society is slowly adjusting to a more liberal arts culture.

In essence, Book of Sun beautifully illustrates the struggles and triumphs of the underdog. It's a story about chasing dreams, making personal sacrifices, and overcoming obstacles. It shows how the magic of cinema and storytelling can thrive, even in the most improbable conditions. The narrative also subtly highlights how digital technology has democratized filmmaking, enabling even amateurs with a phone camera to create compelling narratives.

Book of Sun is not just a joyous exploration of youth and dreams, but also a signifier of Saudi Arabia's evolving societal norms, its growing artistic liberation, and the promise of a new era in Saudi filmmaking. It is unarguably an essential watch, whether you inherently appreciate the Middle East culture or are a fan of universal themes of friendship and determination. This film leaves viewers with a sense of optimism about the capacity of the human spirit to break through barriers, just as it breaks new ground for Saudi cinema. It illustrates the optimistic sentiment that art, particularly cinema, always finds a way to exist, persist and inspire – no matter the odds.