UPSHOT
Palestine, Italy, France I 2024 I Arabic dialogue with English subtitles l 34 min
ABOUT FILM
Upshot (2024), directed by Maha Haj, is a short drama about Suleiman and Mona, a couple living a quiet life while facing challenges related to their children and their care for animals and trees. Their routine is disrupted by a stranger who brings up painful memories. The film has received recognition at various international festivals, including the Locarno International Film Festival and El Gouna Film Festival.
PACKAGE 2
Screening: May 3rd 18:00 Panora 2
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CAST & CREDITS
Director: Maha Haj
Writer: Maha Haj
Cast: Mohammed Bakri, Areen Omari, Amer Hlehel
Dop: Augustin Bonnet
Producer: Hanna Atalah, Ronza Kamel
MAHA HAJ
Maha Haj is a Palestinian filmmaker and screenwriter. She debuted with Burtuqal (2009) and gained acclaim with Personal Affairs (2016), which premiered at Cannes. Her 2022 film Mediterranean
Fever won Best Screenplay at Cannes and was Palestine’s entry for the 2023 Oscars. Her 2024 short UPSHOT won multiple awards, including the 2025 Audience Award at Clermont-Ferrand and both the Golden Pardino and Young Jury Award at the Locarno Film Festival, where it premiered.