The Arab Spring, Yemen 2011. The revolution continues. It’s the monsoon season and life goes on smoothly for the inhabitants of Socotra Island.
Not far from land, a sailing boat bearing an Israeli flag sinks and the search for survivors begins. A castaway is washed ashore a secluded beach.
On the other side of the island, a native dreams of the castaway seeking his help. Τhis adventure begins through the castaway’s body, a man who in the sinking of his life sees for the first time a chance to know gratefulness, to be reborn. Will he overthrow destiny? Will he get back alive?
Runtime:
1:18:00
English subtitle:
Yes
Information for the Audience:
Genre: Spiritual – Political Drama
Countries: Greece / Cyprus / Yemen
Year: 2012
Filming Locations: Yemen / Israel
Notes
"Unknown Land" is Manuel de Coco’s first feature film and its budget was 25.000 euros
The movie has been filmed with non actors who had no knowledge of the script but only the film’s general idea.
Shootings took place in Yemen (Socotra Island) during the Arab Spring and in Israel.
It is the first feature film which has been filmed in Socotra. This isolated island has been described as the most alien landscape on earth. According to the latest research, more than one-third of the approximately 800 plants on the island are unique and can be found nowhere else on earth. Socotra has been recognized as a World Natural Heritage Site and is protected by UNESCO.
It is the first feature film that has been banned both in the Arab world and Israel.
One year after the film’s world premiere, Shaiya Salem – who is acting the Muslim who tries to save the castaway – has been missing at a shipwreck in Socotra Island.
Starring: Manos Kokoromitis / Shaiya Salem / Daniel Plackett
The Arab Spring, Yemen 2011. The revolution continues. It’s the monsoon season and life goes on smoothly for the inhabitants of Socotra Island.
Not far from land, a sailing boat bearing an Israeli flag sinks and the search for survivors begins. A castaway is washed ashore a secluded beach.
On the other side of the island, a native dreams of the castaway seeking his help. Τhis adventure begins through the castaway’s body, a man who in the sinking of his life sees for the first time a chance to know gratefulness, to be reborn. Will he overthrow destiny? Will he get back alive?
Genre: Spiritual – Political Drama
Countries: Greece / Cyprus / Yemen
Year: 2012
Filming Locations: Yemen / Israel
Notes
"Unknown Land" is Manuel de Coco’s first feature film and its budget was 25.000 euros
The movie has been filmed with non actors who had no knowledge of the script but only the film’s general idea.
Shootings took place in Yemen (Socotra Island) during the Arab Spring and in Israel.
It is the first feature film which has been filmed in Socotra. This isolated island has been described as the most alien landscape on earth. According to the latest research, more than one-third of the approximately 800 plants on the island are unique and can be found nowhere else on earth. Socotra has been recognized as a World Natural Heritage Site and is protected by UNESCO.
It is the first feature film that has been banned both in the Arab world and Israel.
One year after the film’s world premiere, Shaiya Salem – who is acting the Muslim who tries to save the castaway – has been missing at a shipwreck in Socotra Island.
Starring: Manos Kokoromitis / Shaiya Salem / Daniel Plackett
Production Design: Stefanos Katselis
Sound Design: Sotiris Laskaris
Editor & Music Composer: Chris Bailar
Cinematographer: Jim Roth
Executive Producer: Babis Bizas
Producers: Manos Kokoromitis / Katia Pantazi
Written & Directed by: Manuel de Coco
Categories:
2012 New Horizon International Independent Filmmakers' Festival
Winner - Best Feature Film Award "A world towards sustained justice"
2012 Baghdad International Film Festival
Nominated – First Prize
2012 Cairo International Film Festival
Nominated - Tahrir Square Prize
2012 Delhi International Film Festival
Nominated - Best Feature Film Award
2013 International Oriental Film Festival in Geneva /FIFOG
Winner - Supporting Mention for the censorship the film has endured
Nominated - FIFOG d’or
2013 Andrei Tarkovsky "Zerkalo" International Film Festival
Official Selection "Tarkovsky Context"
2013 Cologne Conference International Film & TV Festival
Nominated - TV Spielfilm Prize
2013 Petaluma International Film Festival
Official Selection
2013 Cyprus International Film Festival
Winner - Best Director Award
Nominated – Best Cinematography
2013 São Paulo International Film Festival
Official Selection "International Perspective"
2013 Transaharian International Film Festival in Zagora
Nominated - Special Jury Prize
2013 Peloponnesian International Film Festival
Nominated - Best Director
- Best Cinematography
- Best Music Score
2013 Sofia Middle East & North Africa Region Film Festival
Official Selection
2014 Gothenburg Independent Film Festival
Winner - Best Director Peace Award
Nominated - Best Feature Film Peace Award
- Film for Peace Award
2014 Human Rights Film Festival of Barcelona - New York City - Paris
Nominated - Best Feature Film Award
- Amnesty International Award
- Survival International Award
Genre:
Language: