Set in the aftermath of the July 2013 military coup d’état, various followers of opposing political factions, journalists and citizens are locked up in a claustrophobic, sweat-drenched police van in Cairo, Egypt. Personal and political tensions rise like the boiling temperature outside, reflecting the external fractured mindset and ideological battleground. The genius of Mohamed Diab’s complex masterpiece is his utilization of the mobile prison as to create a microcosmic picture of humanity’s never-ending, paranoia-induced struggles.

Be they pro-Morsi, pro-military, journalists or regular citizens, these mistrustful characters are constantly at odds with each other’s beliefs and personalities, yet the empathetic Diab doesn’t judge them. He allows them to bicker and get physical. He also allows them to be compassionate and humorous. Aided by great acting, innovative cinematography and powerful sound design, Clash is a grand humanist tale that perfectly encapsulates the very definition of ‘eye protein’. — FAISAL AL-JADIR