Gaza-born directors Arab Nasser and Tarzan Nasser have gained significant traction for their latest film, Once Upon A Time In Gaza. This is the brothers’ third feature film and is a shining example of their distinctive narrative approach. The timely film has just entered a theatrical distribution deal with Dulac Distribution for its French distribution rights. Further, it has now locked down international sales representation via The Party Film Sales.
Rani Massalha, Marie Legrand and Muriel Merlin made the film for Les Films du Tambour. Rashid Abdelhamid played an important role in this significant co-production through the Made in Palestine Project. It includes partnerships with Germany’s Riva Filmproduktion & Red Balloons, Portugal’s Ukbar Filmes, and Jordan’s Jordan Pioneers Multimedia & Slate Films Services. Further production assistance was provided by AA Films, Cocoon Films, Radio e Televisao, and Kometa.
Film Synopsis and Artistic Direction
Once Upon A Time In Gaza tells the story of Yahya, a young student who forms an unexpected friendship with Osama, a charismatic restaurant owner. The story mixes together themes of dark comedy, Western and revenge genres, walking a tightrope between the outlandish and the pragmatic.
Estelle de Araujo and Samuel Blanc remarked on the film’s fascinating duality. The Guardian wrote that each episode of “Once Upon A Time In Gaza” is a distinctive mix of dark comedy and Western, expertly balancing between absurdity and realism, with unpredictable turns.
The film’s distinctive direction showcases the Nasser brothers’ ability to create endearing characters and craft an original tone. Dulac shared his confidence in the film’s potential, saying that it “confirms the Nasser brothers’ singular, poetic, and artistic voice.”
Distribution and Production Support
With Dulac Distribution taking on the release of the much-praised Palestinian film Gaza mon amour, this initiative deepens their ongoing investment to support transformative stories emerging from the area. Through his work, Dulac hopes to support underrepresented voices. Having the rights for Once Upon A Time In Gaza fits directly into this mission.
The movie has drawn important monetary support from a wide variety of groups. These are Eurimages, Aide Aux Cinémas du Monde CNC, MOIN Film Fund, ICA, the Jordan Film Fund, Ciclic. These partnerships point to a larger, increasing interest and demand for this more dynamic and varied filmmaking from the entire region.
“This is an opportune moment for us to work with successful partners, particularly as Once Upon A Time In Gaza offers a unique Western perspective on Gaza in 2007, bridging the past and present.”
International Sales and Festival Recognition
Party Film Sales has taken on the international sales rights for Once Upon A Time In Gaza. This documentary is one of the highlights in this year’s Cannes Un Certain Regard section. The film emerges as one of only three titles represented by The Party Film Sales in this nonfiction-heavy category. It follows Morad Mostafa’s Aisha Can’t Fly Away and Erige Sehiri’s Promised Sky.
Though Nasser brothers’ work is gaining international acclaim, as they push the craft and find new ways of exploring elaborate themes through provocative cinematic lenses. We can’t wait to witness their latest film challenge perceptions and open doors to a deeper understanding of today’s complex realities in Gaza.