'Once Upon a Time in Gaza' is an international co-production between France, Palestine, Germany and Portugal, with additional support from Qatar and Jordan.
After clinching the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival, Palestinian filmmakers Tarzan and Arab Nasser’s dark comedy-drama Once Upon a Time in Gaza is now gearing up for its theatrical release across France this June. The screenings will be held in the presence of co-director Arab Nasser, starting on June 19 in Marseille and continuing through multiple cities including Toulouse, Paris, Orléans, Saint-Denis and Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône.
The film tells the story of Yahya, a young student in Gaza who forms an unlikely friendship with Osama, a kind-hearted yet streetwise restaurant owner. As they deliver falafel sandwiches, they begin secretly dealing drugs, only to find themselves entangled in conflict with a corrupt police officer. The film’s narrative blends humor and sharp social commentary, painting a vivid portrait of life under pressure.
Once Upon a Time in Gaza is an international co-production involving France, Palestine, Germany, Portugal, Qatar and Jordan. The cast features Nader Abd Alhay (from Farah on Netflix), Ramzi Maqdisi (Ghost Hunting) and Majd Eid (Holy Spider), with cinematographer Christophe Graillot and editor Sophie Reine contributing to the film’s visual and narrative craft.
The Nasser brothers co-wrote the screenplay alongside Amer Nasser and Marie Legrand. The film was produced by Rani Massalha and Marie Legrand of Les Films du Tambour, and Muriel Merlin of Lyly Productions, with additional co-producers including Rise Studios, Made in Palestine Project, Red Balloon Film, Riva Filmproduktion, and Ukbar Filmes. Executive production was provided by Jordan Pioneers Multi Media and Slate Films Services, along with several international partners such as A. A. Films, Cocoon Films, and Radio e Televisao De Portugal.
French distribution is being handled by Dulac Distribution, with MAD Distribution overseeing Arab world distribution and The Party Film Sales managing international sales.
