The 2023 Carthage Film Festival pays tribute to Hani Abu Assad

For their 34th edition, the Carthage Film Festival, JCC 2023, pays tribute to the iconic figure of Palestinian cinema, filmmaker Hany Abu Assad.

Hany Abu Assad shines as a luminary in the emerging wave of Palestinian cinema. His cinematic approach is distinctive, setting him apart from other accomplished directors. Rather than adhering to conventional narratives of the heroic Palestinian struggle, his films delve deep into intricate human stories, unveiling the aspirations of Palestinians through complex characters.

What distinguishes Abu Assad's artistry is his exploration of Palestinian reality. His films reveal the multifaceted aspects of Palestinian life entangled with occupation, shedding light on the profound darkness that has enveloped the Palestinian people since 1948.

'Omar,' his notable creation, was honored with the Golden Tanit at the Carthage Film Festival in 2014. Abu Assad views cinema not as an end in itself but as a means of expression for a country engaged in relentless resistance.

His films grace screens in both the Arab world and the West, vividly portraying life under siege. International accolades, including the Grand Prize for Human Rights Film at the 2004 Geneva Film Festival and Oscar nominations for'Paradise Now' and'Omar' in the Best Foreign Language Film category, acknowledge the resilience amidst severe Palestinian restrictions and injustices.

Abu Assad's cinematic journey led him to Hollywood, where he directed'The Courier' (2012) and'The Mountain Between Us' (2017). This remarkable transition from Palestinian cinema to the global stage underscores his innovative approach and compelling narratives, solidifying his legacy and elevating Palestinian cinema onto the world map.