Spanish Premiere of a Groundbreaking Film

Palestinian director **Laila Abbas** is set to unveil her debut feature film, Thank You For Banking With Us, at **Cinemes Babel** in Spain.

Empowering Narratives

This compelling drama centers on the journey of sisters **Mariam** and **Noura**, who, following their father’s passing, concoct a plan to claim a substantial inheritance left behind. Their strategy is designed to outsmart their brother, who is entitled to half of the estate.

A Celebration of Womanhood

Laila Abbas articulates that the film is a powerful narrative celebrating the **strength of women** and the significance of emotional and physical solidarity among them. “It’s a story about sisters who, having faced their own tragedies and heartbreaks, unite to become stronger,” she explains.

Production Insights

Thank You for Banking With Us! is a **joint German-Palestinian production**, crafted by Abbas through her **Ramallah-based company, Young Oak Productions**. The film is co-produced by **Hanna Atallah** of **Palestine Cinema Days** and **Roshanak Behesht Nedjad** from **Berlin’s In Good Company Films**. For global sales and distribution, **MAD World** is at the helm.

Collaborative Efforts

Additionally, **MAD Solutions** and **Lagoonie Film Production**, based in **Cairo** and **Riyadh**, have joined forces to co-produce Thank You for Banking With Us!.

Support and Recognition

The film has garnered significant backing, including four **$10,000 grants** from the **El Gouna Film Festival** in 2018, courtesy of **ART**, **Cedars Productions**, **O Three Productions**, and **Metafora**. It also received the **In-Development Award** from the **CineGouna Platform** and support from the **Arab Fund for Arts and Culture** and the **Doha Film Institute’s 2023 Qumra Initiative**.

Funding and Awards

With additional funding from **German film funds** such as **Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung** and **Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg**, along with the **Hubert Bals Plus Europe** initiative from the **International Film Festival Rotterdam**, Thank You for Banking With Us! exemplifies the power of **collaborative artistic vision**. Notably, it was also recognized as one of the winners of the **Red Sea Fund’s third cycle**.