Exciting Premiere at Cannes

Tarzan and Arab Nasser’s latest feature, Once Upon a Time in Gaza, is poised to make a significant impact at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, featured in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section. The film will have four screenings scheduled from May 19 to May 21, 2025.

Screening Schedule

The world premiere is set for May 19 at 11 AM at Salle Debussy, followed by three additional screenings: May 20 at 1:15 PM at Salle Bazin, the same day at 2 PM at Cinema Aurore, and concluding on May 21 at 9:15 AM at Cineum Screen X.

A Unique Narrative

This dark comedy, rich in social commentary, revolves around Yahya, a young student who forms an unexpected friendship with Osama, a streetwise yet kind-hearted restaurant owner. Together, they venture into the drug trade, cleverly disguised as falafel sandwich deliveries, only to find themselves in a perilous clash with a corrupt police officer whose inflated ego threatens their operation.

Collaborative Production

This international co-production harnesses the creative expertise of France, Palestine, Germany, Portugal, Qatar, and Jordan. The cast includes Nader Abd Alhay, known for his role in Farah on Netflix; Ramzi Maqdisi, from the Berlinale-winning documentary Ghost Hunting; and Majd Eid, who starred in the Cannes-winning Holy Spider. The film also features award-winning cinematographer Christophe Graillot (Ride Above) and editor Sophie Reine, a César Award winner for The First Day of the Rest of Your Life.

Creative Team

Directed by the Nasser Brothers, Once Upon a Time in Gaza is co-written with Amer Nasser and Marie Legrand. The production team includes Rani Massalha and Marie Legrand from Les Films du Tambour, along with Muriel Merlin of Lyly Productions. Co-producers include Rise Studios (Amanda Turnbull and Ziad Srouji), Made in Palestine Project (Rashid Abdelhamid), Red Balloon Film, Riva Filmproduktion, Ukbar Filmes, and executive producers Jordan Pioneers Multi Media & Slate Films Services, A.A. Films, Cocoon Films, Radio e Televisão de Portugal, and Kometa.

Distribution and Support

Distribution in the Arab world is managed by MAD Distribution, while international sales are handled by The Party Film Sales. In France, Dulac Distribution is responsible for the film’s release.

Institutional Backing

Throughout its development, the film has garnered substantial institutional support, including backing from Aide aux Cinémas du Monde – CNC, Eurimages, the Doha Film Institute, the Royal Film Commission – Jordan Film Fund, and various European regional funds.

Proven Track Record

The Nasser brothers, born in Gaza in 1988, are familiar faces at Cannes. Their short film Condom Lead was featured in the festival’s main competition in 2013. Their debut feature, Dégradé, premiered at Cannes Critics’ Week, while their second film, Gaza Mon Amour, debuted at the Venice International Film Festival and was Palestine’s official submission for the 2021 Academy Awards.

Elevating Palestinian Cinema

With Once Upon a Time in Gaza, the Nasser brothers continue to elevate Palestinian cinema on the global stage, offering a unique blend of humor, heart, and stark reality at one of the world’s most esteemed film festivals.