The 21st edition of Al Ard Film Festival has come to a close, leaving behind a trail of powerful stories, unforgettable moments, and cinematic excellence. This year’s selection showcased a diverse range of perspectives, highlighting resistance, identity, and the ongoing struggles and triumphs of Palestinian and Arab communities.
We are thrilled to announce the winners of Al Ard Film Festival XXI Ed.:
🏆 Best Long Feature Documentary
A State of Passion
Carol Mansour & Muna Khalidi | Lebanon | 2024
The film provides an intimate and powerful look at the genocide in Gaza through the story of Palestinian doctor Ghassan Abu Sitta. Following his journey and capturing his work under extreme pressure amid the healthcare system’s collapse, highlighting both his personal struggles and media activism. This makes it a vital document of the unjust targeting of medical professionals, exposing a war designed to deprive Palestinians of life and care. The film weaves his story into Gaza’s broader history of war and suffering, through a deeply human lens, and sheds light on the resilience of those fighting to save lives in impossible conditions. The directors succeed in achieving a historical and artistic testimony of unseen people and geography. The powerful momentum and timely relevance of this story have made it particularly impactful, capturing the jury’s attention and admiration of an unfailing grace and intimacy that spreads light and restores hope for humanity.
🏆 Best Short Documentary
Deferred Reclaim
Abdallah Motan | Palestine | 2024
In this powerful and evocative film, the director unveils the story of many Palestinian families whose only hope is to mourn their lost ones and pay their final respect. The film sheds light on the harrowing issue of Palestinian martyrs’ bodies being held in a freezer storage, depriving families of the right to bury their loved ones. Through a striking blend of video art and documentary, the film reimagines the chilling experience of a grieving mother, making it a unique and deeply moving portrayal of this aspect of the Palestinian struggle.
The Jury calls for the immediate release of director Abdullah Mutan, his arrest while crossing the border to Jordan may be directly linked to his courageous work on this film.
🏆 Best Non-Documentary Film
Blood Like Water
Dima Hamdan | Palestine | 2023
The short film tackles a complex story set within a mere few hours, where an ordinary Palestinian family faces direct threats from Israeli intelligence agencies. The situation involves a topic deemed taboo in conservative Palestinian society, intensifying the characters’ confrontation with what Palestinian society may face over decades, represented in various forms. We are particularly impressed by the film’s artistic and narrative approach to this subject, especially its exploration of how the occupation exploits what it claims to be a liberal stance, using it against Palestinian people under occupation.
🏆 Audience Award
The Devil’s Drivers
Mohammed Abugeth & Daniel Carsenty | Germany/Palestine/Qatar/Lebanon | 2021
🎖 Special Mentions of the Jury
- The Devil’s Drivers (Long Doc Section)
- Vibrations From Gaza (Short Doc Section)
- A Lullaby Unlike Any Other (Non-doc Section)
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants who contributed their incredible works to this edition. Your films continue to shed light on important narratives and inspire audiences worldwide.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Arab and Palestinian filmmaking as a powerful tool of storytelling and resistance. See you at the next edition of Al Ard Film Festival!