Golden Apricot Festival to screen two MAD films in Regional Competition

Broadcast Pro

4 days ago

Following their world premieres at Un Certain Regard – Cannes 2025, both films are now heading to Yerevan.
The Golden Apricot International Film Festival has announced that two MAD films titles will compete in its Regional Competition as part of the 2025 edition, taking place in Yerevan from July 13 to 20.
Among the selections is Once Upon a Time in Gaza, the latest work by Palestinian filmmakers Tarzan and Arab Nasser. Fresh off winning the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival, the Nasser brothers bring their dark comedy-drama to Armenian audiences.
The film tells the story of Yahya, a young student in Gaza who forms an unlikely friendship with Osama, a kind-hearted yet streetwise restaurant owner. As they deliver falafel sandwiches, they begin secretly dealing drugs, only to find themselves entangled in conflict with a corrupt police officer. The film's narrative blends humor and sharp social commentary, painting a vivid portrait of life under pressure.
Once Upon a Time in Gaza is an international co-production involving France, Palestine, Germany, Portugal, Qatar and Jordan.
The Nasser brothers co-wrote the screenplay alongside Amer Nasser and Marie Legrand. The film was produced by Rani Massalha and Marie Legrand of Les Films du Tambour, and Muriel Merlin of Lyly Productions, with additional co-producers including Rise Studios, Made in Palestine Project, Red Balloon Film, Riva Filmproduktion, and Ukbar Filmes. Executive production was provided by Jordan Pioneers Multi Media and Slate Films Services, along with several international partners such as A. A. Films, Cocoon Films, and Radio e Televisao De Portugal.
Also selected is Egyptian filmmaker Morad Mostafa's Aisha Can't Fly Away, a drama set in Cairo's marginalised Ain Shams neighbourhood, where a significant African migrant community resides. The film tells the story of Aisha, a young Sudanese woman whose job as a caretaker leads her into danger, forcing her to turn to Zuka, a local gang leader, for help.
The film is a multi-national co-production with backing from Egypt, France, Germany, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Sudan. It has attracted major international support, including grants from the Doha Film Institute, Cultural Resource Fund, El Gouna Film Festival, Locarno Academy, Cannes' Cinéfondation, La Fabrique des Cinémas du Monde and Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole.