Official Selection, 2024 Venice Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival. This panoramic portrait of two families in Haifa, one Arab and the other Jewish, intricately balances multiple narrative threads by dividing the film into four chapters, each from the perspective of a different character. When Rami, a young man from a traditional Arab family, discovers that his Jewish girlfriend intends to keep their baby, both families must navigate the challenges of a patriarchal and conservative society. As they struggle to escape societal pressures, hidden truths and manipulations come to light, shaping the destinies of those involved. Oscar-nominated director Scandar Copti (Ajami) masterfully employs cinéma vérité, working with mostly non-professional actors to bring authenticity to this complex narrative.
Presentation Details
| Reviews | “In a time when the whole world seems to have its eyes on Israel and Palestine, Happy Holidays paints a moving picture of living as a Palestinian within Israel and prompts us to consider the ways autonomy is compromised on all sides when society is built on division.” (Olivia Haynie, The Forward)
” A high-stakes drama. The interconnected structure lays the ground for a gripping mystery attentive viewers will be earger to solve.” – The Hollywood Reporter “A lively, naturalistic ensemble piece. Not only is every single actor a treat to watch, but they all play characters forced to play a specific role in society. It’s in brushing up against those unspoken boundaries that the drama here is born. – Variety |
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| Awards And Festivals | Winner, Best Screenplay – Venice Film Festival Winner, Best Film and Best Actress – Marrakech Internatioal Film Festival |