Some acts of subversion and attempts to break stereotypes stem from unlikely places. For Marah Zahalka, Noor Daoud, Betty Saadeh, Mona Ennab and their manager Maysoon Jayyusi, their defiance of expectations and flouting of norms surrounding women in occupied Palestine finds its power behind the steering wheel and then speeds around racetracks. The quintet comprises the Speed Sisters, the Middle East’s first-ever all-female rally-racing team — and they’re well aware of how atypical their interest, and their avid pursuit of it, is. They’re also cognisant of the hurdles they need to face on a daily basis, including roadblocks, the ever-present threat of violence on the streets, the need to train next to an Israeli detention centre, the inconsistent application of rules, and their own competitive urges.
Taking its title from the group’s name, the energetic Speed Sisters tells their tale with the enthusiasm, affection and excitement these high-octane-loving ladies deserve. Director Amber Fares (Ghetto Town) builds a portrait of a disparate cohort of women all springing from different backgrounds, and all attracted to the sport for a diverse range of reasons. As the filmmaker follows their progress around the West Bank circuit and across two seasons, she finds the commonality that unites them both inside and out of their beloved vehicles. They’re not just seeking thrills and indulging in fun; they’re wearing their passion with pride as ambassadors for a new way of looking at their gender within their culture.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the piece is how supportive the response to their endeavours primarily proves, not just from each other or their loved ones, but from the bulk of society around them. Of course, media interest flows freely, as do accompanying anonymous negative comments; however the prevailing attitude is one of encouragement. Indeed, in chronicling the Speed Sisters’ determined exploits, Fares paints a portrait of the Arab world’s conflict between traditional and more progressive values. The difficulties are obvious, yet the successes aren’t as rare as might be anticipated, as this clever examination of Middle Eastern life makes plain.
Such a situation remains true on the track as well, where the fast-paced contenders rev their engines for supremacy. Here, as they line up against men but seek their own trophy, the politics of their bond become intriguingly apparent, as does the battle between racers looking to drive to victory. The documentary splices the war of wills of would-be winners with their prowess where it counts, careening around courses and affording the film its most raw and gripping scenes. And yet, camaraderie remains the team’s defining trait as they band together to fulfil their common dreams.
Given the topic, that Fares has compiled a celebration above all else is far from surprising, nor is the standard approach, both narratively and visually, adopted to do so. Aping the sports movie formula — complete with cutaway profiles building to a climatic clash, and switching between behind-the-scenes and race-day footage — the filmmaker relies upon the strength of her subjects to sell the story. It’s a wise and engaging decision that makes Marah, Noor, Betty, Mona and Maysoon’s aims and efforts the stars of the show. It’s also a testament to the exhilaration inherent in the boundary-bursting feats depicted; Speed Sisters, the feature and the figures, doesn’t require embellishment to convey their buzz, glow and sense of achievement.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Speed Sisters
Director: Amber Fares
Occupied Palestinian Territory | USA | Qatar | UK | Denmark | Canada, 2015, 80 mins
Melbourne International Film Festival
http://miff.com.au/
30 July – 16 August
Arab Film Festival Australia
http://arabfilmfestival.com.au/
13-30 August
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