These study notes are made available with the kind permission of Cornerhouse, Manchester’s international centre for contemporary visual arts and independent film.
Set during Ramadan in 1981, A Thousand Months tells the story of Mehdi, a seven-year-old boy (Fouad Labied) who lives in the Atlas Mountains. His mother Amina (Nezha Rahil) and grandfather make him believe that Mehdi’s father has gone to work in France, when in fact his father is in a local prison. This charming and beautifully shot film focuses on Mehdi’s relationship with the village, his friends and a world of stories that revolve about Mehdi and the inanimate, but evocative and symbolic chair.
GCSE topics: Village life, family relationships, school life, religion; Ramadan, prayers, social issues, special occasions, isolation, poverty, authority and fear.
Themes include: Respect, work, education, relationship, hope, belief and responsibility.
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