The Challenge

Ancarani is a force to be reckoned with in nonfiction. The imagery in the film is persistently experimental but never feels indulgent. Not only is it stylistically in a world of its own, but the subject matter feels like it's taking place on a different planet. Tack on a Morricone-like score and you've got one of the best, most unique documentaries in years.

A very powerful semi-experimental affective documentary of pure immanence about masculinity, power and search of meaning in Qatar. Ancarani makes a manifold movie which is both an 'objective' documentation, hence the praise of that spendthrift culture of masculine show off, and a mockery of it where they invent silliest activities to have a meaning in the middle of a vast desert. Achieves to create forceful affections and a meticulous mise-en-scene from this dull environment. Great cinema.