Latest news with #MarieLegrand
Broadcast Pro
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Palestinian filmmakers Nasser brothers win Cannes ‘Best Director' award
The film is an international co-production between France, Palestine, Germany, Portugal, Qatar and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Palestinian filmmakers Tarzan and Arab Nasser have clinched the Best Director award in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival for their latest work, Once Upon a Time in Gaza. The film had its world premiere at the festival to thunderous applause, captivating both audiences and critics with its blend of comedy and drama. The Nasser brothers, who have long been prominent voices in Palestinian cinema, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and the international support they received throughout the film's journey. This latest win adds to their growing legacy at Cannes, where their short Condom Lead competed in the Main Competition and their debut feature Dégradé premiered in Critics' Week. Their second feature, Gaza Mon Amour, previously premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and was Palestine's official submission to the 2021 Academy Awards. Critics have responded enthusiastically to Once Upon a Time in Gaza, praising its artistry and relevance. Clotilde Chinnici of Loud and Clear Reviews called it 'necessary and remarkable,' highlighting its powerful political undertones and stunning visuals. Jonathan Romney of Screen Daily described it as 'taut' and 'succinct,' predicting the film would garner significant attention after its Cannes debut. Jordan Mintzer of The Hollywood Reporter noted its emotional depth, calling it 'small-scale yet broad in its implications,' particularly in the context of ongoing events in Gaza. Set against the backdrop of the besieged enclave, the film follows Yahya, a young student who befriends Osama, a kind-hearted restaurant owner. Together, they begin selling drugs while delivering falafel, only to encounter a corrupt and egotistical police officer. The story provides a deeply human portrait of life in Gaza, blending humor and harsh reality in a way that resonates far beyond its setting. Once Upon a Time in Gaza is an international co-production between France, Palestine, Germany and Portugal, with additional support from Qatar and Jordan. The cast includes Nader Abd Alhay—known for Farah on Netflix—Ramzi Maqdisi (Ghost Hunting) and Majd Eid (Holy Spider), with cinematography by Christophe Graillot and editing by Sophie Reine. The screenplay was co-written by the Nasser brothers alongside Amer Nasser and Marie Legrand. It was produced by Rani Massalha and Marie Legrand of Les Films du Tambour and Muriel Merlin of Lyly Productions, with a broad base of co-producers from around the globe including Rise Studios, Made in Palestine Project, Red Balloon Film, Riva Filmproduktion, and Ukbar Filmes, among others. Distribution is handled by MAD Distribution for the Arab world, The Party Film Sales for international markets, and Dulac Distribution for France. The project also benefited from the backing of major cultural institutions, including Aide aux Cinémas du Monde – CNC, Eurimages, the Doha Film Institute, and the Royal Film Commission's Jordan Film Fund.
Broadcast Pro
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
‘Once Upon a Time in Gaza' by Nasser brothers to screen four times at Cannes 2025
The film is an international co-production between France, Palestine, Germany, Portugal, Qatar and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Tarzan and Arab Nasser's latest feature, Once Upon a Time in Gaza, is set to make a notable impact at the 78th Cannes Film Festival as part of the Un Certain Regard section, with four scheduled screenings between May 19 and May 21, 2025. The film will hold its world premiere on May 19 at 11 AM at Salle Debussy. It will continue with three additional screenings: on May 20 at 1:15 PM at Salle Bazin, again that same day at 2 PM at Cinema Aurore, and finally on May 21 at 9:15 AM at Cineum Screen X. A dark comedy with sharp social commentary, Once Upon a Time in Gaza tells the story of Yahya, a young student who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Osama, a warm-hearted yet streetwise restaurant owner. The duo begins trafficking drugs under the cover of delivering falafel sandwiches, but soon find themselves entangled in a dangerous confrontation with a corrupt police officer whose unchecked ego threatens to unravel their operation. This international co-production brings together the creative resources of France, Palestine, Germany, Portugal, Qatar and Jordan. The film features Nader Abd Alhay, recognised for his role in Farah on Netflix; Ramzi Maqdisi, known from the Berlinale-winning documentary Ghost Hunting; and Majd Eid, who appeared in the Cannes-winning Holy Spider. The production also boasts award-winning cinematographer Christophe Graillot (Ride Above) and editor Sophie Reine, a César Award winner for The First Day of the Rest of Your Life. Once Upon a Time in Gaza is directed by the Nasser Brothers from a screenplay co-written with Amer Nasser and Marie Legrand. It is produced by Rani Massalha and Marie Legrand of Les Films du Tambour and Muriel Merlin of Lyly Productions. The film is also co-produced by Rise Studios (Amanda Turnbull and Ziad Srouji), Made in Palestine Project (Rashid Abdelhamid), Red Balloon Film, Riva Filmproduktion, Ukbar Filmes, and executive producers Jordan Pioneers Multi Media & Slate Films Services, along with A.A. Films, Cocoon Films, Radio e Televisão de Portugal, and Kometa. Distribution across the Arab world is handled by MAD Distribution, with international sales managed by The Party Film Sales. Dulac Distribution oversees the film's release in France. Throughout its development, the film received significant institutional backing, including support from Aide aux Cinémas du Monde – CNC, Eurimages, the Doha Film Institute, the Royal Film Commission – Jordan Film Fund, and several European regional funds. The Nasser brothers, born in Gaza in 1988, are no strangers to Cannes. Their short film Condom Lead was selected for the festival's main competition in 2013. Their debut feature Dégradé premiered at Cannes Critics' Week, and their second film, Gaza Mon Amour, had its debut at the Venice International Film Festival and was Palestine's official submission to the 2021 Academy Awards. With Once Upon a Time in Gaza, the Nasser brothers continue to elevate Palestinian cinema on the international stage, bringing a unique blend of humour, heart and harsh reality to one of the world's most prestigious film festivals.
