Captain Abu Raed Poster

Captain Abu Raed 2008

★ 7.719 votes102 min📅 2008-02-06

"A humanistic triumph..."

In the heart of Amman, Jordan, an unassuming airport janitor named Abu Raed stumbles upon a discarded pilot's hat that ignites his imagination and transforms his quiet life.

Director: Amin Matalqa

Cast

Nadim Sawalha
Nadim Sawalha
Abu Raed
Rana Sultan
Rana Sultan
Nour
Hussein Al-Sous
Murad
Odai Qedese
Tareq
Ghandi Saber
Abu Murad
Dina Raad-Yaghnam
Um Murad
Mohammad Qteshtat
Hilal
Nadim Mushahwar
Sameh
Faisal Majali
Ziad
Lina Attel
Nour's Mom

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Captain Abu Raed (2008) about?

Set in the streets of Amman, *Captain Abu Raed* follows an elderly airport cleaner who adopts the persona of a pilot after finding a discarded cap. His stories captivate local children, exposing him to their struggles—and his own quiet heroism emerges as he tries to change their fates.

Who directed Captain Abu Raed?

Amin Matalqa directed this touching drama, marking his feature debut with a story that balances warmth and grit.

Who stars in Captain Abu Raed?

The film stars Nadim Sawalha as Abu Raed, alongside Rana Sultan, Hussein Al-Sous, Odai Qedese, and Ghandi Saber.

Is Captain Abu Raed (2008) worth watching?

Though unrated on IMDb, *Captain Abu Raed* is a hidden gem in the drama genre—its heartfelt storytelling and natural performances make it a poignant, uplifting experience that lingers. Fans of character-driven films will find it especially rewarding.

How long is Captain Abu Raed?

The film has a runtime of 102 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Captain Abu Raed (2008) — How a janitor's lie becomes a beacon of hope

In the heart of Amman, Jordan, an unassuming airport janitor named Abu Raed stumbles upon a discarded pilot's hat that ignites his imagination and transforms his quiet life.

Directed by Amin Matalqa, *Captain Abu Raed* (2008) blends gentle realism with heartfelt storytelling as Raed, played with quiet dignity by Nadim Sawalha, becomes the unlikely hero of a group of children in a struggling neighborhood. Believing his cap marks him as a real captain, the kids beg him for tales of far-off places—but their innocence soon collides with the harsh realities of their home lives. Through Raed's improvised adventures, the film explores themes of hope, responsibility, and the power of storytelling to bridge divides between fantasy and reality.

A tender, humanistic drama that lingers long after the credits roll, *Captain Abu Raed* captures the spirit of resilience in the face of adversity, wrapped in a narrative that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in its setting.