The Defenders

Name: The Defenders
Director: Matthew Bate
Released: 2023

Matthew Bate 2023

When Bahraini refugee footballer Hakeem al-Araibi steps off the plane in Thailand for his honeymoon, he’s arrested on an Interpol order accusing him of terrorism. Thus begins the gripping true story of a heroic whistle-blower who, after speaking out about his own torture, becomes the target of a revenge plot involving three countries, two royal families, and FIFA. Facing extradition and likely death in Bahrain, Hakeem’s life hangs in the balance as a dedicated group led by a retired Australian football captain races against time to save him—and the soul of football itself.

Add to Playlist

Add Bookmark

Bookmark List

Play Trailer

Running Time:

81 min.

Spoken Languages:

Arabic, English

Subtitles:

English

Directors:

Matthew Bate

Producers:

Gal Greenspan, Alice Burgin

Cinematographers:

Alex Cardy

Editors:

Bryan Mason, David Scarborough

Production Companies:

Sweetshop & Green Productions

Investigative Journalism

Politics

Sports

Additional Materials

Distribution Company

Back to Film Summary

This Week’s Featured Films

An investigative journalist uncovers the money, influence, and alarming rationale behind covert efforts to control the most vital resource on the planet in the latest exposé from filmmaker Gabriela Cowperthwaite (Blackfish)
The road to eliminating poverty begins with her
Israel's military service is questioned through the experiences of young Israelis struggling with enlistment pressures. Innocence uncovers the personal cost of conforming, with lost lives and haunting diaries illustrating the impact of military duty on young souls.
BUTTERFLY IN THE SKY tells the story of the beloved PBS children’s series “Reading Rainbow,” its iconic host LeVar Burton, and the challenges its creators faced in cultivating a love of reading through television.
How did we come to this moment, where free speech issues have never felt more complicated and urgent, and where the nation is wondering a new: what price are we willing to pay for free speech?
Let us tell you a story about the boundary pushers who shape souls and give children strange dreams. The stars of STORY & PICTURES BY are picture book creators changing the narrative for the next generation, even when their own lives are not fairytales.
A political thriller that that goes inside the U.S. fundamentalist Evangelicals, revealing their power and influence on U.S. foreign policy, as they aim to fulfill the Armageddon prophecy and ultimately destroy our civilization
A one-hour documentary that delves into the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the birth of a new movement to treat and prevent toxic stress
Generation Growth tells the story of Green Bronx Machine and its founder, Stephen Ritz, as they grow high performing public schools, happy & healthy children, empowered teachers, and equitable, resilient communities across the nation.