Following a successful debut at the 77th Locarno Film Festival, where it participated in the Pardi di Domani – Corti d’Autore Competition, Maha Haj’s powerful Palestinian short film UPSHOT clinched the Pardino d’Oro Swiss Life for Best Auteur Short Film Award and the Junior Jury Award for the Best Auteur Short Film at the festival’s closing ceremony on Saturday.
Haj herself was honored with the award. The film garnered praise from both audiences and critics, with Samuel Lembo of Sinistra.ch commenting, “[The film] delivers a strong emotional impact. It’s a passionate statement for Palestine at Locarno.”
Meanwhile, the movie was praised by film critic Mohamed Reda as “one of the top films I’ve seen this year.” He shared his admiration in The Middle East Newspaper, lauding the acting and likening it to a “harmonious musical duet.”
The film’s pacing and coherence received praise. Reda appreciated the deliberate pace leading to a significant plot twist, noting the consistency in the overall approach from the onset. Director Haj described her work “UPSHOT” as a reflection of both sorrow and the resilient human spirit. Suleiman and Lubna’s journey in the film serves as a poignant reminder of the unyielding human imagination amidst a backdrop of conflict.
According to Sada el Balad Website the narrative, set in the future, addresses the painful reality of a nation scarred by prolonged turmoil. The film delves into the profound loss that transcends physical boundaries. “UPSHOT” is the recent project from renowned Palestinian filmmaker Maha Haj, known for her previous work “MEDITERRANEAN FEVER,” which won the Best Screenplay Prize at the Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard sidebar in 2022. The compelling drama “UPSHOT” unfolds against the backdrop of Gaza’s enduring challenges.
The stellar cast includes Mohammed Bakri, recognized with accolades such as the Career Achievement Award at the El Gouna Film Festival and Berlinale’s Free Speech Bear Award. Areen Omari and Amer Hlehel also feature prominently. The movie was lensed by Augustin Bonnet, edited by Veronique Lange, and features production design by Saher Dwairy.
