Directed by Maha Haj | Starring Mohammad Bakri, Arin Omari, and Amer Hlehel 🏆 Winner of Multiple Prestigious Awards "Upshot", the latest masterpie
Directed by Maha Haj | Starring Mohammad Bakri, Arin Omari, and Amer Hlehel
🏆 Winner of Multiple Prestigious Awards
“Upshot”, the latest masterpiece by Palestinian filmmaker Maha Haj, has been chosen to open the 35th Carthage Film Festival (Journées Cinématographiques de Carthage), running from December 14–21, 2024, in Tunis. A deeply moving exploration of grief and resilience, the film highlights Haj’s unique voice in contemporary Arab cinema.
Global Acclaim and Awards
Upshot has already achieved critical success on the international stage, winning:
- Golden Pardino Award and Independent Youth Jury Award at the 77th Locarno Film Festival,
- Best Film Award at the Sharjah Film Festival,
- Golden Star Award at the El Gouna Film Festival.
These accolades are a testament to the film’s universal appeal and the depth of its storytelling.
The Story: Isolation and the Fragility of Truth
Set against the unrelenting backdrop of the Gaza conflict, Upshot follows Suleiman (Mohammad Bakri) and Lubna (Arin Omari), a couple who retreat to a remote, fog-covered farm to cope with an unimaginable loss. Their isolated world is a fragile sanctuary, where they attempt to escape the pain of reality.
When a journalist (played by Amer Hlehel) intrudes into their secluded existence, his probing questions unravel long-held secrets, forcing the couple to confront the truth and the delicate illusions they’ve built. The film skillfully explores the intersection of personal grief and societal trauma, offering a layered narrative that resonates deeply.
Crafting an Atmospheric Masterpiece
Haj’s filmmaking shines through meticulous craftsmanship:
- Cinematography: The misty, remote landscapes enhance the film’s emotional tone, mirroring the couple’s psychological isolation.
- Set Design: The home, transformed from a storage space, becomes a powerful symbol of their self-imposed exile.
- Score: A melancholic soundtrack underscores the family’s struggles, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
A Vision Beyond Politics
Although Upshot is rooted in the realities of Gaza, Maha Haj emphasizes that the film transcends politics.
“This isn’t a political film,” Haj explains. “It’s a work of art that delves into human emotion and resilience, exploring how we cope with loss and the inevitability of truth.”
The Challenges Behind the Lens
The idea for Upshot came to Maha Haj in June 2023, and she remarkably wrote the initial draft in a single day. Filming, however, was a meticulous process. Shot over five days in January 2024, the production faced challenges such as unpredictable weather and tight schedules. Haj credits extensive preparation with her cast and crew for overcoming these obstacles.
One of the film’s most pivotal scenes—a dinner confrontation with the journalist—was technically demanding, requiring multiple takes from various angles to capture the scene’s tension and emotional complexity.
Themes of Loss and Illusion
At its core, Upshot is a story about loss, the human tendency to construct fragile illusions, and the inevitable confrontation with reality. Suleiman and Lubna’s retreat into isolation reflects a universal desire to escape pain, but the intrusion of truth—embodied by the journalist—shatters their sanctuary.
The film’s non-linear narrative seamlessly transitions between past, present, and future, offering a profound exploration of the psychological and social impact of Gaza’s ongoing conflicts.
Opening the 35th Carthage Film Festival
As the opening film of the 35th Carthage Film Festival, Upshot takes center stage at one of the most prestigious cinematic events in the Arab world and Africa. Founded in 1966, the festival celebrates diverse stories from across the region and beyond, making it the perfect platform for a film as impactful as Upshot.
Maha Haj: A Voice of Palestinian Cinema
Maha Haj continues to cement her place as one of Palestine’s leading cinematic voices. Her ability to blend personal narratives with universal themes has earned her acclaim on the global stage. Currently, Haj is preparing for her next feature film, expected to begin production in 2025.
Final Thoughts: A Triumph of Arab Cinema
Upshot is more than just a film—it is a deeply emotional journey that captures the fragility of human existence amidst conflict. Its success at festivals such as Locarno, Sharjah, and El Gouna, coupled with its opening at the Carthage Film Festival, marks it as a defining work in Palestinian cinema.
Don’t miss this extraordinary film, now screening at the 35th Carthage Film Festival, where it continues to captivate audiences with its tale of loss, resilience, and the inevitability of truth.
Sari Albeder – Carthage Film Festival 2024 – #JCC2024
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