This Heartfelt Palestinian Film Is The Latest One To Debut At The Locarno Film Festival

UPSHOT, a moving Palestinian short film about human loss and resilience, has been chosen for the 77th Locarno International Film Festival. It will compete in the Pardi di Domani – Corti d'Autore Competition. The renowned Swiss festival is scheduled from August 7th to the 17th.

UPSHOT is the latest creation by acclaimed Palestinian filmmaker Maha Haj, who previously won the Best Screenplay Prize at Cannes in 2022 with her film MEDITERRANEAN FEVER. This new film features a star-studded cast including Mohammed Bakri, Areen Omari, and Amer Hlehel.

Maha Haj has a rich background in English and Arabic literature, having graduated from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She began her career as an artistic designer on notable productions like THE ATTACK by Ziad Douairi and ON THE HILL by Rafael Natjari. Her directorial debut came in 2009 with ORANGES, followed by BEHIND THESE WALLS in 2010.

Her first feature film, PERSONAL AFFAIRS, was critically acclaimed and selected for Un Certain Regard at Cannes in 2016. MEDITERRANEAN FEVER continued its success with an extended festival tour, winning numerous awards including the Student Jury Prize at Tokyo FILMex and a Golden Firebird at the Hong Kong International Film Festival.

Set against Gaza's ongoing conflict, UPSHOT tells the story of Suleiman and Lubna, a couple seeking solace on an isolated farm. They create a parallel reality to escape their pain. However, their fragile illusion is threatened when a journalist intrudes with harsh truths.

The film is produced by Ramallah-based August Films with Hanna Atallah and Ronza Kamel. It is a joint production between Palestine, Italy, and France. MAD World will distribute it globally while MAD Distribution handles all Arabic-speaking territories.

"UPSHOT is both a lamentation and a testament to the indomitable power of the human spirit," says Haj. "In a world defined by suffering, Suleiman and Lubna's journey is a poignant reminder of the boundless resilience of the human imagination."

The narrative explores themes of loss and resilience without offering easy answers or political solutions. It unfolds in a timeless realm reflecting irreparable loss that defies earthly confines.

Maha Haj's previous work MEDITERRANEAN FEVER was Palestine's official submission for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards following its festival success. UPSHOT continues her tradition of powerful storytelling set against complex backdrops.

This selection for Locarno highlights Haj's growing influence in international cinema. Her films consistently resonate with audiences worldwide due to their emotional depth and compelling narratives.