“To a Land Unknown”: A Cinematic Triumph at the 35th Carthage Film Festival

The 35th edition of the Carthage Film Festival (Journées Cinématographiques de Carthage) awarded “To a Land Unknown” by Palestinian-Danish filmmaker Mahdi Fleifel the prestigious Silver Tanit. This compelling narrative of displacement, resilience, and survival resonated deeply with audiences, underscoring the festival’s mission to highlight socially relevant stories from Africa and the Arab world.

A Heartbreaking Narrative of Survival

“To a Land Unknown” tells the story of two Palestinian cousins, Shatila and Rida, stranded in Athens and desperate to reach Germany. Their journey is fraught with hardship: saving money for forged passports, grappling with addiction, and making morally complex choices. When Rida loses their hard-earned funds to his drug habit, Shatila devises a desperate plan to pose as smugglers and take hostages. The film paints a grim picture of the human cost of displacement, forcing viewers to confront the stark realities faced by refugees.

The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon and the streets of Athens, illustrating the systemic barriers faced by displaced individuals. Fleifel combines poetic storytelling with raw realism, offering a stark reflection on the global indifference to the Palestinian plight.

A Decade in the Making

The journey to create “To a Land Unknown” spanned over a decade. Mahdi Fleifel first envisioned the project in 2011, during the production of his acclaimed documentary “A World Not Ours.” Inspired by real-life encounters with young refugees in Greece, the film evolved into a deeply personal narrative. Fleifel’s documentary roots are evident in his authentic portrayal of characters and settings.

The film’s production faced numerous challenges, including funding rejections and logistical hurdles. Fleifel remained committed to his vision, ultimately securing support from notable institutions such as the Doha Film Institute, the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation, and the Greek Film Centre. The project also benefited from European co-production partnerships.

A Global Debut at Cannes

“To a Land Unknown” premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in the Directors’ Fortnight section, marking a significant milestone for Fleifel. The film’s debut at Cannes reflected its universal themes and powerful storytelling. “Premiering at Cannes was a dream come true,” said Fleifel, who completed the film under intense time constraints to meet the festival deadline. The film’s success at Cannes propelled it onto the global stage, where it continued to garner accolades and recognition.

Stellar Performances and Authentic Casting

The film features standout performances by Palestinian actors Mahmoud Bakri (as Shatila) and Aram Sabah (as Rida), both making their debut at Cannes. Fleifel’s meticulous casting process ensured the actors embodied the authenticity and complexity of their characters. Workshops in Palestine and Jordan helped the cast immerse themselves in their roles, resulting in deeply moving performances.

Bakri, known for his role in “Alam,” described the emotional depth of playing Shatila, a character far removed from his personal experience. Sabah, stepping into acting from a background in editing and filmmaking, brought raw emotion to the role of Rida. Their portrayals captured the desperation and humanity of their characters, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

Themes That Transcend Borders

At its core, “To a Land Unknown” is not just a film about Palestinian refugees but a universal story of displacement and resilience. The film’s themes echo the Italian neorealism of Vittorio De Sica’s “Bicycle Thieves”, where economic desperation forces morally complex decisions. Similarly, Fleifel’s work challenges viewers to empathize with characters navigating an unforgiving world.

The film’s opening quote from Edward Said, “The Palestinian fate is to remain perpetually displaced,” sets the tone for a narrative that critiques systemic injustice while honoring the resilience of those who endure it.

Critical Acclaim and Awards

The film’s journey has been marked by critical acclaim and numerous accolades. After its debut at Cannes, it screened at over 20 international festivals, including the Red Sea Film Festival and the Carthage Film Festival, where it won the Silver Tanit. Its global success underscores its relevance and the universality of its themes.

The Carthage Film Festival, now in its 35th year, provided a fitting platform for the film, known for celebrating bold, socially conscious cinema from the Arab world and Africa. Packed screenings and emotional audience reactions highlighted the film’s impact, particularly in the Arab world.

A Call to Action

Mahdi Fleifel’s “To a Land Unknown” is a cinematic call to empathy and understanding. It sheds light on the human cost of displacement while challenging audiences to reflect on their own roles in a world that often turns a blind eye to suffering.

As the 35th Carthage Film Festival concluded, “To a Land Unknown” stood out as a testament to the power of storytelling to inspire change, making it a pivotal moment in contemporary Arab and global cinema.

Sari Albeder – Carthage Film Festival 2024 – #JCC2024