Film

Marrakech International Film Festival Crowns Palestinian Drama ‘Happy Holidays’ as Top Winner Amidst Middle Eastern Tensions

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Marrakech, Morocco – The prestigious Marrakech International Film Festival concluded its latest session with the Palestinian drama “Happy Holidays” clinching its highest accolade, the Etoile D’Or award. This notable win, announced on Friday, marks the first time a Palestinian film has garnered this top honor at the festival. Directed by Scandar Copti, the film portrays a nuanced narrative set in Haifa, Israel, where characters from Israeli and Palestinian backgrounds grapple with personal and societal complexities. “Happy Holidays,” which won a screenplay award earlier at the Venice Film Festival, benefits from the authentic performances of both … Read more

Marrakech Film Festival Honors Palestinian Film ‘Happy Holidays’ with Prestigious Top Award

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Marrakech, Morocco – The Marrakech Film Festival, a highlight on the international cinema calendar, recently concluded with the Palestinian film “Happy Holidays” clinching the prestigious Golden Star award. This accolade marks a significant recognition for the film, underscoring the vibrant storytelling and artistic expression emerging from the Palestinian cinema scene. “Happy Holidays”, directed by Scandar Copti, tells the compelling story of three Palestinian friends who reunite during the Christmas season amidst the complex tapestry of their Middle Eastern heritage. The narrative weaves together personal and socio-political themes, presenting a poignant exploration of identity, camaraderie, and … Read more

Spike Lee Sets Sights on Unearthing Cinematic Gems as Jury President at Red Sea Film Festival

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Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee has brought his quest for fresh storytelling to Saudi Arabia, where he leads the jury at the Red Sea International Film Festival. Lee, known for his incisive and provocative films, is seeking standout narratives from a diverse selection of 16 features crafted by directors from the Arab world, Asia, and Africa. Upon his arrival in Jeddah, the Oscar-winning director expressed his enthusiasm for evaluating films without any preconceived notions about the filmmakers. He highlighted the rarity of encountering films in such an unbiased frame of mind, which … Read more

Almaty’s Eurasia Film Festival Concludes, Awards Grand Prix to International Cinematic Gems

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Almaty, Kazakhstan – The curtains closed on the 17th Eurasia International Film Festival in Almaty, marking the end of the event with a grand award ceremony that recognized an array of talented filmmakers from across the globe. Held on November 30, the festival spotlighted standout contributions in the realm of cinema, culminating in a gala that celebrated the creative efforts of various actors, directors, and production teams. This year’s festival was particularly notable for its international flair, attracting participants from over 15 countries. Competitors vied for top honors in two primary programs: one focusing on … Read more