'The Present' is one of two Arab films that have been nominated for the 93rd Academy Awards for the Best Live Action Short Film category.
MENA distributor Front Row Filmed Entertainment has acquired the distribution rights for Farah Nabulsi’s The Present and sold the rights to Netflix. The film will be released globally (excluding France, Japan and French-speaking Africa) on the streaming platform on March 18. The Present is also available in the Middle East on digital (Apple TV, Google Play) and on-demand.
Starring Saleh Bakri, Mariam Basha, and Mariam Kanj, the story centres around a man and his daughter as they struggle to cross various checkpoints in the West Bank to purchase a gift for his wife.
Produced by Ossam Bawardi and Philistine Films, Nabulsi co-wrote the script along with Hind Shoufani and served as executive producer along with Mohannad Malas.
The film has also picked up a Best Short Film nomination at BAFTA 2021.
Speaking about the film distribution, Director Farah Nabulsi, said: “It’s really great to have Front Row Filmed Entertainment recognise the potential of this film from before it reached such heights and of course the Academy Awards and BAFTA nominations are a further testament to the films resonance and the amazing team brought together to make it. We are thrilled that Netflix has also recognized its potential and appeal for audiences worldwide.”
Front Row’s CEO Gianluca Chakra added: “We are truly proud to be representing The Present. Farah is a unique and important new voice in MENA filmmaking and we’re sure this nomination will put this region’s talent under the spotlight.”
