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Talking About Trees (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Talking About Trees (2019) movie poster

Talking About Trees is a 2019 documentary directed by Suhaib Gasmelbari, starring Ibrahim Shaddad, Manar al Hilo and Hana Abdelrahman Suliman. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and earned $4,572 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 81/100.

worldwide gross
$4.6K
Echo Score
81
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Talking About Trees (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m (94 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
Arabic
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Talking About Trees About?

The premise of Talking About Trees without spoilers.

Filmmakers Ibrahim, Suliman, Eltayeb and Manar, lifelong friends, left Sudan in the sixties and seventies to study filmmaking. Years later, they reunite to pursue a shared dream: to revitalize Sudanese cinema. Their plan involves reopening the historic Halfaia Cinema in Khartoum, a dilapidated theater that once served as a vibrant cultural hub. The group hopes to bring back the art of film to their motherland and share it with a new generation.

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Cast & crew

Talking About Trees Cast

Ibrahim Shaddad leads the cast, with Manar al Hilo and Hana Abdelrahman Suliman. Directed by Suhaib Gasmelbari; 5 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Talking About Trees

· 1 more
Ratings

Talking About Trees Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 81/100, strongest in character & emotion (92) and weakest in story & flow (62).

81 /100

Talking About Trees Echo Score Breakdown

Talking About Trees succeeds as a heartfelt documentary that honors friendship and the struggle to revive cinema, while its deliberately measured pacing can lessen narrative drive. Critics commend its artful direction, warm portrayal of camaraderie, and evocative emotional core, and many viewers report being moved to tears by the subjects’ passion. However, some audience members note the story unfolds slowly, leading to disengagement for a portion of the runtime. Consequently, the film offers a poignant portrait but may test patience of viewers seeking a tighter narrative.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 88

    Regarding art and craft, the documentary displays deft direction and a restrained visual style that highlights the subjects’ environment. Critics note its polished cinematography and thoughtful editing, describing the work as a "magnificent" piece of art. The modest production values serve the narrative without drawing attention to themselves, resulting in a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing presentation.

  • Character & Emotion 92

    When examining character and emotion, the film foregrounds the four filmmakers’ personalities, revealing nuanced performances and deep camaraderie. Reviewers highlight the subjects’ gentle humor, wisdom, and heartfelt dedication, which evoke strong empathy and often bring viewers to tears. This authentic emotional resonance is the core strength that sustains audience investment throughout the documentary.

  • Story & Flow 62

    In terms of story and flow, the documentary presents a sincere account of the group’s mission, yet its narrative progression unfolds at a languid pace. While critics appreciate the authenticity and originality of the subject matter, some viewers find the slow pacing diminishes momentum, leading to occasional disengagement. The overall structure remains coherent but lacks kinetic energy.

  • Sensory Experience 78

    Regarding sensory experience, the film employs a modest soundtrack and ambient sound design that complement its intimate setting. Visuals feature an understated color palette that reflects the dusty archives and outdoor theater, while the inclusion of classic film excerpts adds contextual richness. The sensory components support the narrative without overwhelming it, maintaining a balanced tone.

  • Rewatch Factor 84

    Assessing rewatch factor, the documentary’s earnest portrayal of cinematic passion offers lasting appeal for film enthusiasts. Critics and viewers alike cite its moving moments and insightful glimpse into Sudanese cinema as reasons to return. However, the measured pacing may deter repeated viewings for those seeking a more dynamic experience. Overall, it retains relevance for audiences interested in cinematic heritage.

Box office

Talking About Trees Box Office

Talking About Trees grossed $4,572 worldwide.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$4.6K

International
$4.6K
Videos

Talking About Trees Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Talking About Trees.

Official Trailer
Details

Talking About Trees Also Known As

6 alternative titles, including “Talking With Trees” and “Pogawędki o drzewach to zbrodnia”.

Also known as
  • Talking With Trees
  • Pogawędki o drzewach to zbrodnia
  • Кстати о деревьях
  • 当我们谈论树的时候
  • Talking About Trees: A Morte do Cinema Sudanês
  • Ağaçlardan Bahsetmek

Seen Talking About Trees?

FAQ

Talking About Trees FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, post-credit scenes and language of Talking About Trees, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Talking About Trees?

Talking About Trees runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).

When was Talking About Trees released?

Talking About Trees was released on February 21, 2019.

Who directed Talking About Trees?

Talking About Trees was directed by Suhaib Gasmelbari.

Who is in the cast of Talking About Trees?

Talking About Trees stars Ibrahim Shaddad, Manar al Hilo and Hana Abdelrahman Suliman, among 5 credited actors.

How much did Talking About Trees make at the box office?

Talking About Trees grossed $4,572 worldwide.

Does Talking About Trees have a post-credit scene?

No. Talking About Trees has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Talking About Trees in?

The original language of Talking About Trees is Arabic.

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