Thekra Makalde’s Palestinian short THE FIRST DINNER marks its debut at the 10th Asian World Film Festival
13 November 2024
Palestinian director Thekra Makalde's ambitious short film THE FIRST DINNER is set to have its world premiere at the 10th Asian World Film Festival, running from November 13th to 21st, where it will be competing in the Short Film Competition.
The winner of this year’s Short Film Competition is set to receive a Panavision camera package valued at $15,000.
Notably, the lineup for this year’s main feature film competition includes 16 entries that have been submitted for the Oscars.
A somehow non existent relationship between a father and his little girl is redefined at the dinner table, this featurette follows Siwar and her father, as they sit together face to face, after a 15 year long period of estrangement. Could what once was, still be?
Starring renowned actor Kamel El Basha, alongside Jiana Awwad and Elias Abboud, the film is written and directed by Thekra Makalde, with cinematography by Yuval Horowitz, editing by Mina Nabil, and a score composed by Yazid Eldaly.
Thekra Makalde is an Arab Muslim director born in Palestine. She studied Filmmaking at Hamidrasha Faculty of Arts in occupied Beit Berl and has since worked as a director, editor and producer in advertising companies before making a foray into filmography.
Her inspiration stems from the cultural challenges and issues marginalized people face on a daily basis, putting them to lens and shedding light on them through different and compelling storylines, that all the while remain simplistic.
The film’s worldwide sales are being handled by MAD World and MENA-wide distribution by MAD Distribution.