Once Upon a Time in Gaza

a film by Tarzan & Arab Nasser

90 mins /

Comedy, Drama

France, Palestine, Germany, Portugal with Qatar and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

In 2007 Gaza, a young student named Yahya forges a friendship with Osama, a charismatic restaurant owner with a big heart. Together, they begin peddling drugs while delivering falafel sandwiches, but they are soon forced to grapple with a corrupt cop and his oversized ego.

Cast

Nader Abd Alhay

Ramzi Maqdisi

Majd Eid

Crew

Scriptwriters: Tarzan and Arab Nasser, in collaboration with Amer Nasser and Marie Legrand

Cinematographer: Christophe Graillot

Editor: Sophie Reine

Sound: Tim Stephan, Rolan Vajs

Original Title: Once Upon a Time in Gaza
Production Company(ies):

Les Films du Tambour

Producer(s):

Rani Massalha

Marie Legrand

Muriel Merlin

Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard, France (World Premiere)

Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival, France

Reviews

Name: Once Upon a Time in Gaza
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Released: 2025
Duration: 90 mins

Necessary and remarkable, Once Upon a Time in Gaza is a beautifully shot and politically significant film, especially relevant today."

Clotilde Chinnici—Loud And Clear Reviews

"Once Upon a Time in Gaza is a powerful ode to Palestinian resilience”.

William Mulally-The National

“This taut, succinct film should win widespread attention following its bow in Un Certain Regard”.

Jonathan Romney—Screendaily

“The film deftly weaves the ambient political tension into the characters’ lives.”

Enzo Barese-Gazettely

“Small-scale yet broad in its implications, especially considering what’s happened since October 7th, Once Upon a Time in Gaza touchingly portrays characters doing their best in a place that grants them few options and even fewer opportunities.”

Jordan Mintzer-The Hollywood Reporter

“They take full control of writing and directing duties to create a gripping and persuasive thriller that unfolds in the streets of Gaza City and remains captivating throughout.”

Meredith Taylor—Filmuforia

“Highly precise script work”

Fabien Leverrier-Cineuropa

“Necessary film”

Gianluca Arnone-Cinematografo, Italy

Cast

Crew

Stills

Reviews

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