Omar Owss

Finally a true depiction of the horrific and illegal Israeli occupation of Palestine in 1948. A glimpse of one of many untold and hidden stories of the real sufferings of the Palestinians at the time. This film should work as an eye-opener to those who are honest about knowing the truth, regardless of their, race, age, or political view. The film, however, lacks B and C stories and needed a better ending that matches the strength of the plot. Aesthetically, the film did a great job showing the actual life style of the people during 1948. Artistically, the film did an okay job, for example, given that some of the lightings moments were hard to believe. When Farha was in the food storage, it should always be dark, yet somehow there was a source of light in the room that was unexplainable, a source that kept the storage lit even during the darkest of moments! When Farha found the lantern and she lit it up, the light was not paid off, it didn't really make any affect on the image since there was some sort of lights in. I'm not taking about the moon light coming from the small circle hole in the wall, I'm talking about the set light! The director, Darin Sallam did such an amazing job thematically, I appreciate the POV chosen and the rhythm of the film, despite starting off in the storage at a slow pace, yet, thematically it was spot on. I would have loved to see deeper emotional reactions from Farha as she witnesses the brutality of events, after all, she is witnessing this for the first time and still a child! I understand the sufferings Farha went through, but as a film professor and critic, the story would have been much more believable and associable if the writer of the film created and wrote a flaw or two for Farha. Farha, the 14 year old girl comes off as a strong grown up, brave, aware of her surroundings, rational about her survival needs, both the cognitive and non cognitive ones, and patient. Yet, no flaws! I would have loved to see some sort of dilemma for Farha to deal with while inside the storage that would force her to get out or perhaps stay in even if the door opens somehow. An obstacle from within that is stronger than the need to get out! Something would make us root for her to win. Perhaps fighting a snake or a scorpion attack, a fire by the lantern, or anything that would have endanger Farha whether she decided to stay or leave. There is more to talk about, but I don't want to take away from how much I love this film. Darin Sallam clearly understand the message she's trying to convey and the importance of her film. Hats off for her courage, creativity, cleverness, and sacrifices she made, makes, and will make to bring this amazing film to life. Yasser Shahin