---
title: "Habibi"
year: 2011
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/habibi-2011"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 123653
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 78
community_rating: 4.6
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Habibi (2011) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/habibi-2011

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The film "Habibi" is a modern retelling of a famous ancient Sufi parable. It is set in the West Bank and Gaza. The story revolves around two students who are forced to return home to Gaza. Their situation is complicated by the societal expectations and traditions that govern their lives. The two students are in love, and their relationship is at odds with these expectations. In order to reach his lover, one of the students expresses himself through a form of public art. The film draws inspiration from the ancient Sufi parable of Majnun Layla. This parable tells the story of a man who is deeply in love with a woman, but their love is hindered by societal norms. The film's modern retelling explores similar themes of love, tradition, and societal expectations.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Two students return to Gaza, where their love defies tradition."

### Why Watch
- modern retelling of an ancient Sufi parable
- features poetry and romance

### Caveats & Content Note
- short runtime of one hour and eighteen minutes
- limited plot details available in the synopsis
- Tone & Suitability: The film deals with romantic themes and tradition in Gaza.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: drama, romance

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/habibi-2011#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Susan Youssef

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Maisa Abd Elhadi** as *Layla*
- **Qais Nashif** as *Qays*
- **Yosef Abu Wardeh** as *Al-Mahdi*
- **Amer Khalil** as *Qays' Father*
- **Jihad Al-Khattib** as *Walid*
- **Basel Husseini** as *Hitham*
- **Najwa Mubarki** as *Leyla's Mother*
- **Suhell Nafar** as *Fisherman*
- **Tamer Nafar** as *Fisherman*
- **Feras Nour** as *Nawfal*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: When was Habibi released?
It was released in 2011.

### Q: What is the film's genre?
It is categorized as a drama and romance.

### Q: What is the runtime of Habibi?
The film has a runtime of one hour and eighteen minutes.

### Q: What is the premise of the movie?
Two students return to Gaza and their love defies tradition.

### Q: What story is the film based on?
It is a modern retelling of the ancient Sufi parable Majnun Layla.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*