The film is a joint production between Palestine, Italy and France.
Palestinian filmmaker Maha Haj’s short film Upshot has been selected for the International Competition at the 47th Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in France. The festival, running from January 31 to February 8, will see Haj in attendance as her latest work competes among top international entries.
Upshot has already garnered critical acclaim, winning the Golden Pardino at the 77th Locarno Film Festival and the Golden Star at the seventh El Gouna Film Festival.
Set against the backdrop of ongoing turmoil in Gaza, the film follows Suleiman and Lubna, a grieving couple who retreat to a secluded, misty farm to escape their pain. Their fragile sense of solace is disrupted by an unexpected visitor who forces them to confront a harrowing truth from their past.
Commenting on her featurette, Haj said: “Upshot is both a lamentation and a testament to the indomitable power of the human spirit. There are no easy answers, no political solutions to assuage the anguish of parents who have lost everything. And so, it unfolds in a realm unbound by time or place — a poignant reflection of the irreparable loss that defies earthly confines.”
A Palestinian-French-Italian co-production, Upshot features Palestinian actors Mohammed Bakri, Areen Omari and Amer Hlehel. The cinematography is helmed by Augustin Bonnet, with Veronique Lange handling editing and Saher Dwairy leading production design. The film is produced by August Films in collaboration with Hanna Atallah and Ronza Kamel. Worldwide distribution is managed by MAD World, with MAD Distribution overseeing its release in Arabic-speaking territories.
Haj, who has a background in English and Arabic literature, made her directorial debut with the short film Oranges, followed by the documentary Behind These Walls. With Upshot, she continues to craft deeply evocative narratives that explore themes of loss and resilience.
The Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival will take place from January 31 to February 8.
