Palestinian Film Days at the Spazju Kreattiv Cinema
Yesterday, on January 21, ‘The Gaza Monologues’ was performed at Spazju Kreattiv. In an effort to further platform Palestinian stories, the Spazju Kreattiv cinema has announced ‘Palestinian Film Days’.
Tomorrow, on January 23, the cinema will be screening two short films; ‘The Crossing’ (2017) and ‘The Present’ (2020). Viewers will be taken on a cinematic adventure that allows them to explore the rich tapestry of Palestinian storytelling. The selected films are moving, illuminating various aspects of the human experience.
'The Crossing'
First off, ‘The Crossing’ is a gripping story that follows three Palestinian siblings on a touching journey to visit their sick grandfather. However, he lives on the other side of the wall. Despite the eldest brother Mohammed obtaining a permit to cross, the three siblings are rejected at the checkpoint, serving as a metaphor for the various difficulties that families divided by political boundaries must overcome. The movie offers a moving look at the resiliency, love, and willpower that keeps families together in the face of adversity.
'The Present'
Next, ‘The Present’ follows Yusef, a man who regularly endures the dehumanising process of passing through the checkpoint from Bethlehem to Jerusalem in order to work. This time, he brings his daughter Yasmine along, so that they can retrieve a present for the other most important woman in his life, his wife Noor. Directed by the renowned Palestinian director Farah Nabulsi, the film provides a compelling examination of the difficulties Palestinians encounter when attempting to get past Israeli checkpoints. The film resonates with audiences and has the awards to prove it, including the coveted BAFTA award for Best Short Film and the 2021 Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.
Palestinian Film Days will take place at the Spazju Kreattiv Cinema in Valletta, commencing at 7.30 pm. The event is free, although booking is required due to limited seating. Tickets can be purchased here.
