A GAZA WEEKEND
Genre
Dark Comedy
Running time
93 minutes
Year
2022
Language
Arabic, English and Hebrew
Subtitle
English
Country
Palestine and United Kingdom
Director
Basil Khalil
Bio
Producer
Amina Dasmal
Cast
Stephen Mangan, Mouna Hawa, Adam Bakri, Loai Noufi, Maria Zreik, Samer Bisharat, Adeeb Safadi
Scriptwriter
Basil Khalil, Daniel Chan
Mild-mannered English journalist Michael (Stephen Mangan) is trapped in occupied Palestinian territories after a security lapse at an infectious diseases laboratory lets loose a fast-mutating virus. Ironically, the safest place on Earth is walled-up Gaza, accessible only by a tunnel now blocked by Hamas. A pair of bumbling Palestinian would-be people smugglers, Waheed (Adam Bakri) and Emad (Loai Noufi) are on hand – for a price – to get Michael out, but he insists on bringing his girlfriend Meren (Mouna Hawa), an Israeli whose presence could get them all shot. Not that she is grateful, being mostly appalled by their poor plumbing in the basement where they hide from Waheed’s nosy neighbours and the police. The action moves fast and furious, and the cartoonish humour and characterisations are riotous. Waheed’s wife Nuhad (Maria Zreik) proves to be the one person with enough smarts to sort everything out as the film arrives at a pleasing payoff.
Other movies
THE WIZARD OF THE KREMLIN
Director: Olivier Assayas
Olivier Assayas plunges the viewer into the final years of the Soviet Union and the start of the Russian Federation with confidence and precision in this political thriller which premiered at this year's Venice Film Festival. Paul Dano leads a tightly-calibrated cast as the fictional Vadim Baranov, a theater director-turned-TV executive, spin doctor and Kremlin kingmaker to Vladimir Putin (played by Jude Law, continuing his recent career resurgence) as the Russian premier makes his unstoppable rise to power. Calibrated performances guide the viewer through a period of time which sets the scene for where Russia is today. Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge and Jeffrey Wright co-star in this ink-black comedy based on the 2022 novel of the same name. "This film contains scenes that may be considered sensitive for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised"
TRUCK MAMA
Director: Zippy Nyaruri
Truck Mama follows Eva, a single mother and truck driver in Kenya, who navigates dangerous roads to provide for her family. In a male-dominated world, she balances long hauls — including from Kenya to Sudan — calls to her children and daily challenges. This vibrant documentary explores resilience, courage and a mother’s unwavering love as she forges her own path. With breathtaking landscapes and a glimpse into East African life, Truck Mama is an inspiring tribute to women who defy obstacles to pursue their dreams.
MY FATHER'S SCENT
Director: Mohamed Siam
A tense, poetic odyssey unfolds over one night as a father and son confront each other, aiming to settle old scores. Confined to a single apartment, their raw, emotional confrontation quickly escalates, peeling back layers of a fraught relationship. This gripping family drama forces a poignant reflection: if granted one final night with a lost loved one, would you seek vengeance or reconciliation? With powerful performances, the film is a sensitive, intimate and profound exploration of the complex, enduring bond between father and son.