World Premiere: Screening in the U.S. Documentary Film Competition

An ex-mujahideen struggles to reconcile his faith and reality. But he faces a setback at every turn as he is forced to collect cardboard, in the streets of Zarqa, Jordan, an occupation barely sustaining his family. As his situation deteriorates he has to make a radical decision to save himself from humiliation. The carton collector's daily life is set against the story of the deceased Al Qaida leader Al Zarqawi.

An ex-mujahideen struggles to reconcile his faith and reality. But he faces a setback at every turn as he is forced to collect cardboard in the streets of Zarqa, an occupation barely sustaining his family. As his situation deteriorates he has to make a radical decision to save himself from humiliation. Abu Amar found himself disillusioned with the chaos that was left in Afghanistan in the 80's and tried to resolve this confusion by writing a book on Jihad. However insightful and moderate, he has failed so far to publish his work. In the mean time his attempts to build a normal life in the town where number two terrorist wanted after Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaiada leader in Iraq - Al Zarqawi grew up are failing. While the locals share their insights on Al Zarqawi and the current situation in the Middle East, the effects of their constraining environment become clear as Abu Amar is heading towards a life-changing decision. Recycle is a documentary addressing the intricate realities of life in the Middle East during spiraling international tensions from inside the community of al Zarqawi's hometown.

Clip Description

Abu Ammar, an ex-mujahideen in Jordan, struggles to balance his Islamic faith and studies with the disillusionment and hardships of his daily life. As his situation deteriorates he has to make a radical choice -even if he is not a radical man.