Driving to Zigzigland addresses the difficulties confronting Palestinian actor Bashar Daas - playing himself - as he seeks recognition in the United States, only to be offered, continually, terrorist roles on the big screen - which he refuses. Directed by Daas' wife Nicole Ballivian, the film portrays a day in his life as a taxi driver in Los Angeles, trying to make enough money to pay the bills, including the cost of his residence permit. Just as he is about to gather enough money, Daas's cousin is taken ill, and is asked to pay up at the hospital. He does, and thus sacrifices his chance of remaining in the US. The conundrum and its resolution are clear, and all too characteristic of dilemmas facing Arabs today. Perhaps deservedly, Driving to Zigzigland won this year's Amal Award for Best Film.

Driving to Zigzigland - Trailer







A chronicle of a day in the life of a Palestinian cab driver in Los Angeles, Driving to Zigzigland, portrays the social struggle of the Arab immigrant in post-9/11 America. A film audition typecasts Bashar to play an Al Qaeda terrorist role. The utilities are due and Bashar has twenty-four hours to make the money. For the remaining hours left until tomorrow, an unceasing flow of passengers ride in Bashar's taxi and give the Arab cabbie the run-around on issues that deal with suicide bombers, George Bush, Cat Stevens, the war in Iraq, music, and world geography. Bashar's quest to make the money is won until he realizes he has to choose between the Department of Homeland Security and his family. Shot in Los Angeles and Palestine, based on true stories.