The short fiction film directed by Mohammed Almughanni’s has earned highest acclaim at yet another festival. This time, the film delighted the jury at the Festival international du film de Nancy.

Festival international du film de Nancy is a significant international film event that promotes auteur and independent cinema. Taking place in the French city of Nancy, the festival serves as a platform for both emerging talents and established filmmakers, presenting a broad spectrum of fiction and short films. Its programme often focuses on films from Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, offering audiences a unique perspective on diverse cultures and societies. The event champions open exchange of ideas and discussions, creating a space for reflection on contemporary cinema and its role in the world.

The winning An Orange from Jaffa unfolds before the onset of the current conflict, mere kilometres from Jerusalem, at the Hizma checkpoint. Here, tensions have been high for decades, with stringent security measures in place. Even the slightest misstep can have dire consequences. Mohammed, a young Palestinian with a temporary Polish ID, attempts to cross an Israeli checkpoint to reunite with his mother. After several drivers refuse him passage, the kindly taxi driver Farouk agrees to help. Unbeknownst to Farouk, Mohammed has already been turned away at a different checkpoint. Farouk himself is in a hurry to get to a very important meeting. Soldiers swiftly uncover the truth, spelling serious trouble for both men. Confined to the car, they await a final verdict. This gripping, human-centric drama exposes the absurdity of the conflict on a micro scale.

Read more about the festival on its official website.

JULY 2025