Soufra

Soufra, released in 2017, is a heart-warming and inspiring documentary film that tells a story of resilience, empowerment, and the limitless potential of women working together for a common cause. Directed by Thomas Morgan, this film takes its roots in one of the harshest and most hopeless places on Earth, the Burj El Barajneh refugee camp situated on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon.

The documentary focuses on Mariam Shaar, a vivacious, dedicated, and enterprising woman who was born and brought up in the Burj El Barajneh camp, a place where survival itself is a challenging feat due to the lack of basic amenities and unending political stress.

Despite these challenges, Shaar refuses to be defined or confined by her circumstances. Instead, she aspires to change her destiny and of those around her by building a thriving food business within the camp. In her journey, Shaar heroically charts out a new course filled with success and hopeful transformation for her community.

The title "Soufra" is an Arabic word referring to an opulent table filled with a variety of delicious food, symbolic of abundance, showcasing the central role that food and cooking plays in the narrative. Food becomes an instrument of liberation and a beacon of hope for the women in the camp. It's a heartfelt tribute to their shared love of cooking, passed down generations, embodying their cultural heritage while serving as a means of sustenance and economic independence.

Under Shaar's determined leadership, a group of women come together to form a catering company called "Soufra," with the dream of taking it beyond the boundaries of the camp. The documentary touches upon their innovative recipes, including many traditional Palestinian dishes, which interweaves the story of their passion for cooking with the journey of establishing a food truck business.

Soufra delves into the ordinary and extraordinary moments of these women’s lives, eloquently capturing their dreams, struggles, moments of joy and frustrations. It is an intimate and honest chronicle of their fight against adversity, against legal and societal obstacles, with a fiery spirit and unyielding perseverance.

Thomas Morgan is exceptional in his storytelling and presentation, imbuing the narrative with palpable realism. The raw and authentic visual depiction of life in a refugee camp intertwines with the warmth of the kitchen activities, contrastingly creating a landscape of human resilience and spirit. The documentary adeptly highlights how even in the most desperate conditions, the human spirit can find a way to thrive and create opportunities, emphasizing the under-stated power of women.

The audience is given a glimpse into the searing realities of refugee existence and female empowerment in a patriarchal society, and the collective struggle to rise above these conditions. Amidst this struggle, the food serves as a vital thread connecting the women to their past, giving them a sense of identity, and helping them navigate through present realities while fostering dreams for a better future.

Soufra is not just a chronicle of a business journey; it is a universal and touching story of human resilience, of dreams nurtured in dire circumstances, and of empowerment. It underscores the power of hope and tenacity and paints a vivid picture of the often-overlooked life of refugees.

The simple, yet, profound moments of joy, camaraderie, and triumph over adversities make the narrative positively enriching and invigorating. The unflinching commitment, consistent effort, and unyielding spirit of Mariam Shaar and her team are depicted with raw intensity that transcends the geographical and cultural barriers, reaching out and touching every viewer, offering lessons of perseverance and optimism.

Soufra is a beacon of hope emanating from an otherwise bleak atmosphere. It is an inspiring tale that showcases how dreams can fuel indeed revolutionize an individual's life, even in the face of overwhelming adversities. The film is significant not only for its commentary on the refugee crisis but also its vibrant portrayal of feminine power and resilience, making Soufra a must-watch documentary.

In addition to its moving narrative, Soufra also carries an undertone of political commentary, offering a global platform to bring attention to the grim realities faced by refugees and the invaluable potential they possess. It's a human-readymade tribute to the collective strength of women, heralding the triumph of the human spirit against overwhelming odds. It’s indeed an ode to the indomitable will to survive and prosper against all odds.