‘The Station’ Review: A Long-Gestating, Female-Centered Project Set in Yemen That’s Well Worth the Wait

Jay Weissberg· May 17, 2026 · 11:22 AM UTC ·6 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 42 views

#film review #yemen #civil war #female empowerment #cannes

TL;DR · WeSearch summary

Sara Ishaq's fiction debut 'The Station' is set in a women-only gas station in Yemen during the civil war, serving as a sanctuary from conflict and male domination. The film centers on sisters who disagree over protecting their young brother from military conscription, highlighting tensions amid female solidarity. Featuring a largely non-professional cast, the film balances warmth and resilience against a backdrop of war and societal constraints.

Key facts

▪'The Station' is Sara Ishaq's first fiction feature, following her acclaimed 2013 documentary 'The Mulberry House'.
▪The story unfolds in a women-only gas station that provides a safe space away from Yemen's civil war and patriarchal norms.
▪The film premiered in Cannes Critics' Week and features a cast mostly composed of non-professional actors.
▪A central conflict involves two sisters clashing over how to protect their 12-year-old brother from being conscripted into the war.
▪The setting emphasizes female autonomy, with the station's rule of 'no men, no weapons, no politics' fostering a rare space of freedom.

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Original publisher	Variety
Canonical URL	https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/the-station-review-1236751423/
Publication time	Sun, 17 May 2026 11:22:00 +0000
Retrieval time	2026-05-17T11:52:13.121Z
Last seen	2026-05-17T11:52:13.121Z
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Home Film Reviews May 17, 2026 4:22am PT ‘The Station’ Review: A Long-Gestating, Female-Centered Project Set in Yemen That’s Well Worth the Wait A women-only haven in Yemen’s civil war is the backdrop to a story of sisters clashing over how to protect their young brother from conscription in this Cannes Critics' Week entry, beautifully played by a largely non-professional cast. By Jay Weissberg Plus Icon Jay Weissberg Latest ‘Viva’ Review: A Breast Cancer Survivor Runs From a Potential Recurrence by Embracing Life 3 days ago ‘The Alleys’ Review: Murky Goings on Among Lowlifes in Amman’s Darkened Streets 5 years ago ‘Cop Secret’ Review: A Derivative Action Movie Parody Set in Iceland for a Change 5 years ago See All Courtesy of Screen Project, Georges Films Sara Ishaq’s highly anticipated…

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