ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA © LES FILMS DU TAMBOUR - RED BALLOON FILM - UKBAR FILMES - MADE IN PALESTINE PROJECT
Once Upon a Time in Gaza as seen by Arab and Tarzan Nasser
Arab and Tarzan Nasser made their mark at the 2013 Festival de Cannes. We remember not only their unique presence, but also their powerful short film, Condom Lead,, presented in Competition. Twelve years later, the Palestinian twins stay true to their roots with Once Upon a Time in Gaza, telling the story of a student who forges an alliance with a dealer who is threatened by a corrupt police officer and which has been included in the Un Certain Regard selection.
What inspired you to begin working on this film?
The idea came from the constant inspiration we draw from our city, Gaza. It is the human essence that despite the occupation, siege, and inhumane conditions people endure there, their humanity remains at the core of their existence.
Please describe your working method and the atmosphere on set.
Perhaps because we have not learned cinema in an academic way but have practiced it through our instincts and feelings, and because we studied art and its history and possess the talent for drawing and coloring, cinema for us becomes a blank canvas on which we paint our ideas and emotions. We are directors who pay particular attention to details, approaching our work as if we are creating our own worlds, piece by piece. We don’t merely focus on writing and directing; we also build the sets of our films with our own hands, carefully selecting every element.
Please share a few words about your actors.
Majd Eid, who plays the role of the “dealer” (Osama), was chosen for this part during the casting process for our previous film, six years ago, primarily because of his raspy voice, which gave his character the toughness and realism that were essential for the role of the “dealer.”
Nader Abd Alhay, who is cast as Yahya, the despairing university student, was suggested to us by a mutual friend, who asked us to take a look at his picture. The moment we saw his photo, we knew he had the exact expression of sorrow and helplessness that perfectly fit the character, in addition to a physique that embodied fragility and confusion.
What did you learn during the course of making this film?
We have learned that making a good film is not solely contingent on money, but rather on choosing the path that can contribute to its success. You either have enough money to pay for respect and dedication in the work, or you demonstrate respect and humanity, which allows you to attract those around you to become part of your team, fighting alongside you with passion, without money being the primary goal.
What made you want to become a director?
It was the result of a phase of processing and developing a passion that began very early through our obsession with the world of fashion. This allowed us to watch an enormous number of films in our early days, from which we drew inspiration and ideas for designs we would sketch and sew ourselves.
Can you tell us about your next project?
Our next film tells the story of three women from Gaza whose lives intersect on a single path. It reveals their daily struggles, challenges, and perseverance as they fight to continue defending their right to exist.
