The Idol

In 2005, Mohammed is a young boy in Gaza who forms a band with his tomboy sister Nour and two friends. They start playing at weddings, discovering Mohammed's extraordinary voice. The dream of being a real band grows as they perform at local events.

During a wedding performance, Nour collapses and is diagnosed with kidney failure. She requires weekly dialysis and a transplant, which the family cannot easily afford. Mohammed is pulled into a new mission: to become a singer who can raise the funds.

Mohammed befriends Amal, a girl also suffering from kidney disease, during Nour's dialysis sessions. They form a bond that gives Mohammed renewed hope and motivation. Nour's illness becomes a catalyst for the trio's dreams.

Despite treatment, Nour dies, leaving Mohammed devastated and disillusioned. The dream of raising money through music seems to falter as his motivation wanes. The family struggles with loss while Mohammed contemplates giving up his singing.

In 2012, Mohammed performs with a band for Palestinian Idol, but travel restrictions prevent him from reaching the Ramallah studio. He must perform over Skype from Gaza, and Gaza's unreliable electricity makes the performance tense. The experience rekindles his desire to sing but also highlights the obstacles he faces.

After the Skype performance, Amal inspires Mohammed anew and his family rallies behind him as he contemplates entering Arab Idol. They urge him to keep pursuing his dream despite the hardships. The decision marks a turning point toward seeking broader recognition.

Mohammed faces the impossible border barrier, attempting to cross from Gaza into Egypt for the Arab Idol auditions. He is caught with a fake passport at Rafah, but a border clerk is moved by a religious song he performs and allows him through with a warning that returning may be difficult.

In Cairo, auditions are already underway with all slots filled. Mohammed secretly breaks into the building, and a young singer overhears him singing in the toilet and offers him a slot. He auditions for Arab Idol and finally gains a pass to Beirut.

Mohammed's performance earns him a pass to the main competition in Beirut after a successful audition in Cairo. His rising reputation among Palestinians grows as they cheer for a Palestinian candidate achieving success.

As Arab Idol progresses, Mohammed grapples with the pressure and experiences a panic attack before a major rehearsal. A judge provides support, and Amal communicates with him by phone, helping him regain his confidence. He returns to perform, bolstered by the encouragement.

Mohammed continues to advance in the competition, his Palestinian fans celebrating each performance as a sign of national pride. The energy in the events reflects a broader hope for his people. He remains focused on delivering performances that honor his community.

The film culminates with real-life footage of Mohammed Assaf winning Arab Idol. The studio erupts as he is crowned champion, confirming his dream's realization. The final montage offers a brief look at his life after the finale.