Details
A rare portrait of a cross-cultural marriage in the tiny Gulf state of Qatar. Filmmaker Vandekeybus gained unprecedented access to the insular world of Qatari society.
Part of Double Bill: Linda & Ali: Two Worlds Within Four Walls & My Brother My Enemy
She followed American-born Linda, her Qatari husband Ali Al Saigel and their seven children for three years from 2001. Unlike many foreign wives, Linda has adopted the Shiite Muslim traditions of her husband. Swathed in black she looks like any other Qatari woman.
Within the four walls of their comfortable home in the capital Doha, however, Western and Middle Eastern ideals, morals and attitudes collide. Vandekeybus’ camera homes-in on the family as they candidly discuss issues such as arranged marriages, second wives, religion and Qatari society in general. After 20 years together, their relationship has hit a wall. Linda ponders whether she should return to the U.S. for a few months. Will the unusual marriage survive?