Emerging Palestinian Filmmakers مخرجين صاعدين فلسطينيين
This diverse array of films were all submitted to us directly by emerging Palestinian filmmakers.
A poignant common thread weaves through the narratives: sacrifice in its myriad forms.
From the resolve to resist house demolitions, to the courageous risking of safety to document the realities of occupation, each story encapsulates a unique facet of sacrifice. Others delve into the everyday struggles of acquiring basic necessities, the grief of martyrdom, and the internal battles of self-acceptance.
These films serve as powerful testimonies to the steadfast resilience and humanity of the Palestinian experience, shedding light on the multifaceted dimensions of sacrifice that define reality. Through their artistry, these emerging filmmakers offer profound insights into the shared struggles and enduring spirit of a people determined to assert their dignity and rights in the face of injustice.
About the films Eitr
by Fateema Al-Hamaydeh Miller
Grinding away at the family business, Mohamed works tirelessly selling knock-off perfume, while living as a knock-off version of his true self. Eitr explores queerness in the context of Arab culture and family structure, leading into secret worlds that we build for ourselves and how we share them with others.
Shattered Memory
by Hayat Labban
The documentary talks about the memory of photojournalist “Mahfouz Abu Turk” and the archive through which he documented the events he experienced in the city of Jerusalem and the West Bank from the first intifada in 1987 and the events that followed until the end of the nineties.
Zawaya
by Mira Hajhassan
In a neighbourhood under war, Siham and her goldfish, Tooteh, are trapped in their home by an oppressive system that lives in their walls and will soon begin demolishing them. After receiving calls checking up on her situation, Siham is triggered by voices from her past and seeks solace in a 2-D animated world to process her pain. As danger approaches, the silent war between Siham and the virtual oppressor intensifies, and the house begins to crumble. Despite the chaos, Siham is determined to stay inside and face her fate.
For You
by Mahmoud Hamdan
The film revolves around the friends of the martyr, paramedic, and dancer “Sajid Muzahar,” exploring their psychological state and emotions following his martyrdom. The film presents, in an experimental visual style, scenes from before, during, and after his martyrdom.
Does Not Exist
by Rami Ahmad
Yousef and his grandfather, Saeed, are Palestinian-Syrian refugees who fled from the Syrian war in Yarmouk to live in a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon in very bad conditions, where Youssef struggles to keep his grandfather alive.
Genre: Documentary, Family
Year of Release: 2023
Original Language(s): Arabic, English