A Resounding Success at the 7th El Gouna Film Festival In its first screening in Egypt, the Palestinian film "Thank You for Banking with Us!" captiva
A Resounding Success at the 7th El Gouna Film Festival
In its first screening in Egypt, the Palestinian film “Thank You for Banking with Us!” captivated audiences at the 7th El Gouna Film Festival, winning the Golden Star for Best Arab Narrative Film, shared with the Tunisian film “Maa Al Ain” by Mariam Jabir. Directed by Leila Abbas, this thought-provoking film has garnered critical acclaim across international festivals and secured multiple development grants, including funding from El Gouna in 2018, making its return to the festival this year especially meaningful.
A Social Drama with Universal Resonance
“Thank You for Banking with Us!” takes a step away from the overtly political narratives often associated with Palestinian cinema, instead exploring a deeply personal and morally ambiguous story. The film follows two Palestinian sisters, Mariam and Nora, as they navigate family tensions, financial struggles, and ethical dilemmas after the death of their father.
Mariam, a mother dealing with a neglectful husband, faces the possibility of divorce while trying to support her teenage son. Nora, a makeup artist caring for their ailing father, devises a morally questionable plan to secure their inheritance, fearing it will otherwise go to their absent brother, who lives in the United States. What ensues is a gripping tale of desperation, family dynamics, and the lengths to which people will go to claim what they believe is rightfully theirs.
A Turning Point: The Death of the Father
The father’s death marks a pivotal moment in the story. Nora persuades Mariam to hide his passing, arguing that they should transfer his bank funds to their own accounts before the news becomes public. Nora forges a check in his name but faces resistance from the bank, leading her to enlist help from relatives and acquaintances, all of whom reject her plan as unethical. This tension between moral integrity and survival propels the film into emotionally charged territory, exposing the vulnerabilities and flaws of its protagonists.
A Realistic Lens on Palestinian Life
Set in the streets and homes of Ramallah, the film authentically portrays the rhythms of Palestinian life. From bustling streets to intimate family spaces, the cinematography captures the cultural and social nuances of the region, grounding the story in a vivid sense of place. Abbas skillfully avoids heavy-handed moralizing, instead offering a nuanced exploration of human frailty, greed, and survival instincts.
A Strong Directorial Debut
Leila Abbas marks her debut in feature-length cinema with “Thank You for Banking with Us!”, following her success in short films and documentaries like “Frost and Dust.” In an interview with The World Screen, Abbas shared that the film is inspired by personal stories from her family and friends, highlighting the universal struggles surrounding inheritance, especially for women in Arab and Islamic societies.
Abbas explained her choice to focus on a social story:
“I wanted to tell a story about Palestinians that reflects our personal lives, away from the ever-present political context. While occupation is part of our reality, I aimed to show that, like any other society, we have our own internal struggles.”
A Critic’s Perspective: A Balance of Depth and Subtlety
Egyptian film critic Tarek El Shenawy lauded the film, saying:
“It doesn’t break religious or legal boundaries but instead examines the human psyche and its vulnerabilities. The story delves into the darker corners of human emotions, yet Abbas managed to handle the subject with restraint and even added a touch of humor amidst the tragedy.”
El Shenawy also praised the film’s collaborative production, noting its funding from multiple Arab and international institutions, including the Doha Film Institute, Red Sea Film Fund, and German cinema grants. This cross-cultural support underscores the importance of shared artistic and financial efforts in addressing complex human experiences.
El Gouna Film Festival: A Hub for Regional and Global Cinema
The El Gouna Film Festival, now in its 7th edition, continues to serve as a platform for showcasing regional talent while fostering international collaborations. Its CineGouna Platform, which supports the development of Arab cinema, was instrumental in bringing “Thank You for Banking with Us!” to life. In 2018, the film received several grants from the platform, including $10,000 each from ART, Cedars Productions, O Three Productions, and Metafora, alongside further support from the Hubert Bals Fund and German film institutions.
A Universal Reflection on Morality and Family
By examining inheritance through a personal and culturally specific lens, “Thank You for Banking with Us!” resonates universally. It highlights the systemic inequalities faced by women in patriarchal societies while addressing broader questions about morality, justice, and survival. Abbas’ approach—delicate, layered, and infused with realism—invites audiences to empathize with her characters’ dilemmas, even when their actions challenge ethical norms.
Final Thoughts
“Thank You for Banking with Us!” is a standout film that merges compelling storytelling with a profound exploration of human emotions. Its success at the 7th El Gouna Film Festival, alongside international acclaim, solidifies it as a significant contribution to contemporary Arab cinema. As the film continues to make waves globally, it reminds us of the power of cinema to spark dialogue on deeply rooted social and cultural issues.
Nabil Alani – Elgouna Film Festival 2024 – #GFF24
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