‘200 Meters’ Director Ameen Nayfeh on New Film ‘Jo of Montreal’ and the Need for Family Films in West Asia

Shot in Jordan and Saudi Arabia, the film faced some major challenges not only due to the U.S.-Iran conflict but also due to pushback against a feel-good family film from the region

By Ed Meza

Ed Meza

@edmezavar

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In making “Jo of Montreal,” Ameen Nayfeh, director of the award-winning Palestinian drama “200 Meters,” embarked on a very different kind of project than his debut feature, namely a feel-good family film that kids could enjoy.

“Jo of Montreal” is about Yusuf (Hamzah Baareh), a spoiled 12-year-old boy visiting family in Jordan and stranded in a remote Jordanian village. After forming an unlikely bond with a Abu Khalil (Kamel El Basha), a retired teacher-turned-shepherd, however, he rediscovers his roots and develops a passion for the community’s ancient heritage and its famous crusader-era castle known as Montreal.

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