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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

All content by Ali Hassan

“Darkest Hour” follow Winston Churchill as he leads the British in difficult times during WWII.

Gary Oldman Disappears Into Churchill in ‘Darkest Hour’

Ali Hassan, Contributing Writer November 29, 2017
"The Darkest Hour" is Joe Wright's newest film detailing Winston Churchill's decision making during World War II.
“Sweet Virginia” is the new film by director Jamie Dagg, as it explores the lives of Sam (left) who has been affected by the murders committed by Elwood (right), in a small town in Alaska. The film opens in theatres Friday, Nov. 17.

‘Sweet Virginia’ is a Tense Western Thriller

Ali Hassan, Contributing Writer November 17, 2017
Jamie Dagg's newest film "Sweet Virginia" is a meticulous combination of genres.
In Reade and Evans’ documentary “Bugs,” the two show the ways in which bugs might become a very important staple in the human diet as humanity deals with the world’s food consumption crisis.

‘Bugs’ Is Surprisingly Appetizing

Ali Hassan, Contributing Writer September 25, 2017
"Bugs" is a documentary about the "edible insects movement," and makes the argument that insects should be considered as an alternative to meat.
Nicholas Hoult, Henry Cavill and Glen Powell as American soldiers at the beginning of the second Gulf War, in “Sand Castle” - an honest portrayal of soldier-civilian relations in 2003 Iraq.

‘Sand Castle’ Shows Fraught Relationship Between Occupier and Occupied

Ali Hassan, Contributing Writer April 19, 2017
"Sand Castle" is one of the few films about the Iraqi War that gives voice and screen time to Iraqis civilians — not just American soldiers — in an exploration of one of the war's frequently complex interactions between the two sides.
Director Shimon Dotan speaks to a few of the many thousands of Israeli settlers in the West Bank to provide a thorough insight into the social and historical setting behind the conflict in the region.

‘The Settlers’ Discusses Israel

Ali Hassan, Contributing Writer February 27, 2017
NYU professor Shimon Dotan's new documentary "The Settlers" brings the virulent controversy of settlements along the West Bank between Israel and Palestine to light, finding hope and moderation in a world often cast as radical and irreconcilable.
“I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore” is a new film directed by Macon Blair in his directorial debut. It honors great directors of our generation, and is now available on Netflix.

“I Don’t Feel At Home” Makes a Name Among the Greats

Ali Hassan, Staff Writer February 24, 2017
In his directorial debut, Macon Blair fills the large shoes of his predecessors while taking steps that are uniquely his own in "I Don't Feel At Home In This World Anymore."
The “Disruptive Film: Everyday Resistance to Power” includes a variety of short films showcasing the struggle against power holds.

“Disruptive Film” Showcases Unique Works of Rebellion

Ali Hassan, Contributing Writer February 14, 2017
The new series "Disruptive Film: Everyday Resistance to Power" takes documentaries to the next level — from documentation to political resistance.
"A Good American" explores the story of the complex terrorist monitoring system established following the events of 9/11.

“A Good American” Fails to Skewer the NSA

Ali Hassan, Contributing Writer February 1, 2017
Though a fascinatingly in-depth look at one of the most contentious issues since, well, Edward Snowden, "A Good American" is still disappointingly biased.
This documentary, directed by Steven Okazaki, follows the life and work of actor Toshiro Mifune.

Mifune Doc Details Legendary Career

Ali Hassan, Contributing Writer November 21, 2016
One of the greatest acting legends to have come out of Japan finally gets his time to shine in "Mifune: The Last Samurai."
Soon to be launched on Netflix, "Sky Ladder" originally premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival and focuses on Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang.

Culture in the Context of Chinese Communism

Ali Hassan, Contributing Writer October 13, 2016
In the wake of the end of the Cultural Revolution's end in China, visual artist Cai-Guo Qiang began to grow his career, culminating in his most impressive work that led to Kevin MacDonald's documentary of the same title, "Sky Ladder."