Palestine is a country full of beautiful stories, talented artists and rich culture. Despite the myriad things Palestinian culture has to offer, its films and the people who make them are often overshadowed. It’s important to highlight the value of Palestinian creativity.
“Farha” has been heavily praised since it was picked up on Netflix in 2022. Directed by Darin J. Sallam, the film follows a young teenage girl named Farha in the year 1948. Farha wishes to go to school in the city with her friends. However, her father is the head of her village, and tradition commands that girls her age should be getting married instead.
When Israeli bombs hit Farha’s village during the historical event known as the Nakba, her dreams are greatly changed. Her father locks her in their cellar and leaves her there, promising to be back soon. Farha watches her village fall apart from the cracks of the cellar until there is nearly nothing left. It all happens in a collection of beautiful, poignant scenes, made more heartbreaking by the raw performance from Farha’s actress, Karam Taher. It’s a movie that sets the tone for the other emotional stories Palestine has to offer.
A good example of a feature that shows both the musical and filmmaking talent of Palestinian artists is “Slingshot Hip Hop,” directed by Jackie Reem Salloum. It’s a documentary about the Palestinian rap group DAM and its three members: brothers Tamer and Suhell Nafar and their friend Mahmoud Jreri. Tracing the beginning of Palestinian hip-hop in the 1990s, the documentary shows the development of the group as they go from bedroom performances to touring in front of larger crowds.
While other rap groups are featured in the film, DAM is the star of the show. DAM frequently raps about Palestinian oppression and politics in the Middle East, and the documentary also serves as a showcase of the turmoil the group has experienced throughout their lives. “Slingshot Hip Hop” shows how music can be a tool to bring people together despite oppression and fear. It’s a great deep dive into an art form that people often don’t associate with the Middle East.
“Gaza Mon Amour” is a romantic film directed by Tarzan and Arab Nasser. It revolves around a 60-year-old fisherman named Issa. Issa is in love with Siham, a woman working at a nearby market, and has always been afraid to speak to her. One day, he discovers an ancient statue of Apollo in his fishing nets. While he originally keeps it to himself, his confidence eventually rises and he finds the courage to show his discovery to Siham. Their relationship flourishes from there.
The film is mostly a much lighter watch, but there are also bleak moments that remind viewers of the reality of living in Palestine. The emotional complexity is portrayed well by the two main actors, Salim Dau and Hiam Abbass. They both bring years of experience to their roles, painting full portraits of a reserved yet confident woman and a shy, cheeky man in the film’s short running time. It’s an interesting story for all types of viewers.
There are many more Palestinian films for watchers to enjoy and many interesting, funny and emotional stories to find. Just like there is in any other culture, there’s a little something for everyone.
This article appeared in print on Page 11 of Vol. LVIII Issue VII, published Nov. 18, 2024.
