Sharia Poster

Sharia 2016

39 min📅 2016-02-12

In *Sharia* (2016), director Anouar H. Smaine crafts a poignant drama about Sofiane, an Arab immigrant in the U.S. who has long distanced himself from his cultural and religious roots.

Director: Anouar H. Smaine

Cast

Said Faraj
Said Faraj
Sofiane Benabas
Lauren Byrnes
Heather Keenan
Hadj Smaine Mohamed Seghir
Hadj Smaine Mohamed Seghir
Hamza Benabas
Anouar H. Smaine
Anouar H. Smaine
Robert Brooks
Mike Batayeh
Mike Batayeh
Rajiv Mehta
Sam Sako
Salah Albaghdadi
MacKenzie Cleveland
Lady Customer
Emily Rose Debinie
Amina Albaghdadi
Shelly Skandrani
Shelly Skandrani
Phyllis
Taja V. Simpson
Taja V. Simpson
Taja V. Simpson

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sharia (2016) about?

The film follows Sofiane, an Arab immigrant living in the U.S., whose life is disrupted when his American wife converts to Islam. As she embraces her new faith, Sofiane struggles to reconcile his own complicated relationship with religion and tradition, leading to a quiet but intense personal reckoning.

Who directed Sharia?

Anouar H. Smaine directed *Sharia*, bringing a nuanced perspective to the immigrant experience and the intersection of culture and faith.

Who stars in Sharia?

The cast features Said Faraj as Sofiane, Lauren Byrnes as Heather, and Mike Batayeh in a supporting role, among others.

Is Sharia (2016) worth watching?

As a compact but impactful drama, *Sharia* offers a thoughtful exploration of faith and identity, though its short runtime may limit deeper development. Its themes and performances make it a compelling watch for fans of character-driven stories.

How long is Sharia?

The film runs for 39 minutes.

Sharia (2016): A Drama of Faith and Identity — Full Movie Info

In *Sharia* (2016), director Anouar H. Smaine crafts a poignant drama about Sofiane, an Arab immigrant in the U.S. who has long distanced himself from his cultural and religious roots. When his American wife, Heather, embraces Islam and begins altering their lifestyle, Sofiane feigns support—though her newfound devotion slowly stirs buried memories of his own painful past. As Heather's faith deepens, it forces Sofiane to confront unresolved conflicts, challenging their relationship and forcing him to reckon with the traditions he once left behind.

The film unfolds with quiet tension, blending intimate domestic drama with broader themes of identity, faith, and the immigrant experience. Smaine's direction grounds the story in authenticity, while the cast—led by Said Faraj and Lauren Byrnes—delivers powerful performances that heighten the emotional stakes. *Sharia* is a reflective exploration of how spirituality can reshape lives, even when the past is better left undisturbed.