Aqsa Iqbal Khan

We’ve all heard or seen news footage and articles about Palestinians and their heartfelt struggle. However, watching this, it is one of the first film that actually portrays the truth about Palestine at this time (1948) that shows that Palestine was not a vacant land with no people. You’re transported into how it feels like for a young girl struggle with the world around here crumbling and rapidly deteriorating any peace she had. When the mass media and western movies avoid this topic whether it’s due to their own political agenda, prejudice or the perceived "complicated" nature of this event. This movie shows the initial horrors and trauma's Palestinians faced at this time which is history we have not born witness to. All alone this teen girl stuck inside of a locked pantry, had to take care of herself in an unbelievable situation. It is uncomfortable, triggering and heartbreaking. We watch as her own freedom, thoughts, dreams turn into a living nightmare as it’s ripped away from her. As the movie unravels, I felt sick to my stomach as I witness this innocent happy teen girl’s journey. I kept thinking how it would feel like to be in her shoes. Darin J Sallam is truly a brilliant director and writer of the film. He managed to beautifully and intricately produce a well thought film that shows a gorgeous and heartfelt narrative of a story inspired by true Palestinian events. This young actress showcased her talents and is an equal if not better contender to all the talent out there. She managed to play the role with such grace and did an amazing job portraying all the emotions that a teen Palestinian girl going through one of the most horrific transformation in Palestine between a short time pre-nakba and then during. Although it had my mum and me, literally crying our hearts out, I am grateful to have watched the film as the movie is important, and these stories needs to be told.