4 MAD Palestinian shorts you have to watch

 In conjunction with their screening in several international film festivals and the recent rise in the popularity of Palestinian films, today, we highlight four films that you must watch at least once in your life that explore the turbulent relationship between Israelis and Palestinians, the lingering memories of past wounds in Palestinian history, the current situation of Palestinians living under occupation, and the remarkable resilience and survival of the occupied.

Here’s a quick refresher on these MAD shorts:

HAMZA: CHASING THE GHOST CHASING ME

Hamza is a middle-aged man who refuses to abandon a routine he has kept since his release from Israeli jail; every day, he goes into the woods to hunt a lion that the locals don't believe exists.

He finds refuge in his journey from social rejection and denial. In the woods, Hamza is free to act according to his beliefs, fighting his battle to heal an open wound — the trauma of losing his childhood friend, and the horrific memories of torture and guilt.

The film’s cast includes Kamel El-Basha, Ruba Blal, Motaz Malhes, and Khoulod Tannous. It is also directed by Ward Kayyal, written by Majd Kayyal, lensed by Ashraf Dowani, and produced by Hiba Salameh Production.

LOVE SICK IN THE WEST BANK

This comedy features a Palestinian family who hosts a young American tourist after a simple misunderstanding. However, when chaos unfolds in their village, it doesn't take too long for them to become part of the absurd mayhem that immediately ensues.

Written and directed by Said Zagha, LOVE SICK IN THE WEST BANK is produced by Mais Salman (Nomadic Film House) and features a stellar Arab cast, including Ali Suliman, Nisreen Faour, Laith Zuaiter, and Nabil Koni.

BETHLEHEM 2001

The short follows the story of a young Palestinian who wanders between his reflections on the current status and his childhood memories of the military invasion and siege of Bethlehem. He tries to understand how his parents led him through those difficult times, hoping that such memories would help him cope with the present.

Written and directed by Ibrahim Handal, BETHLEHEM 2001 stars Muhammad Mughrabi, Yousef AbuShkhaidem, Hind AbuShkhaidem, Tarek Abusalameh, and Karam Al-Salaymeh.

BY THE SEA

The film follows the comical story of Nahid, who’s trying to celebrate her fugitive husband's birthday by finding the ingredients necessary to bake him a birthday cake.

Written and directed by Wisam Al Jafari, By the Sea stars Yasmin Shalaldeh, Ward Al-Kurdi, and Emile Saba.

BY THE SEA will screen during the Qumra Arab Film Festival in Australia, which will be running from June 2nd to the 4th, while the remaining three shorts (HAMZA, LOVE SICK IN THE WEST BANK and BETHLEHEM 2001) will be featured during the Cine Palestine Film Festival in Paris, which will be running from June 2nd to the 18th.