Independent Film Series at the Royal Oak Public Library

In 1916, while war rages in the Ottoman Empire, Hussein raises his younger brother Theeb (“Wolf”) in a traditional Bedouin community that is isolated by the vast, unforgiving desert. The brothers’ quiet existence is suddenly interrupted when a British Army officer and his guide ask Hussein to escort them to a water well located along the old pilgrimage route to Mecca. So as not to dishonor his recently deceased father, Hussein agrees to lead them on the long and treacherous journey. The young, mischievous Theeb secretly chases after his brother, but the group soon find themselves trapped amidst threatening terrain riddled with Ottoman mercenaries, Arab revolutionaries, and outcast Bedouin raiders. Nominated for the 2016 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language. The film is 100 minutes in Arabic with English subtitles.

The film is appropriate for ages 18 and older. Admission is free. For more information, contact the Adult Reference Desk at 248-246-3727 or visit ropl.org/events.