Sweden fest praises Palestinian Oscar nominee

Impressive short film ‘The Present’ themed on Palestine hardship in the occupied territories has been praised at Malmö Arab Film Festival’ in Sweden.

Farah Nabulsi’s offering won the best short film award worth 15,000 Swedish kronor at the 11th edition of the event.

The heart-touching movie sets in occupied Palestine and narrates the story of Yusef who wants to get an anniversary gift for his wife. He has to go through a checkpoint controlled by Israeli forces on a daily basis. The scene was shot at the real checkpoint to capture the inhuman act of Israel.

The short film shows what Israeli checkpoints mean for the tens of thousands of Palestinians who must pass through them daily.

The director's aim behind the film was to expose the indignity and violence endured daily by connecting with audiences on a human and emotional level.

The short film is one of the nominees for a 2021 Oscar in the Live Action Short category.

Malmö Arab Film Festival (MAFF) concluded its 11th edition on April 11. The event was a hybrid version of the actual activities in the Swedish city and the virtual one via the Internet.

AG/AG