Al Zubarah tells the story of life in the old coastal city of Al Zubarah, one of Qatar’s most significant historical sites. From the break of dawn and the echo of morning prayer, the director, Abderrahmane Sissako travels with his audience through the alleys of the old city, into mosques, courtyards and markets, mapping the traditions and daily lives of one nation in a changing world. Goods are seen arriving on dhows from the sea and on camel caravans from the desert – through capturing a day in the life of the city the film articulates how a country became a global port with international visitors. The crisp clear pictures brushed with a special painting-effect across the film makes it feel timeless and eternal.
