As Trump Unveils His Gaza Takeover Plan, Could a Palestinian Film’s US Release Mark a Turning Point?

Watermelon Pictures has acquired North American distribution rights to Palestinian-British filmmaker Farah Nabulsi’s drama The Teacher, a film shot and set in the West Bank. 

The story draws inspiration from the 2011 prisoner exchange, in which Israel freed more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in return for a single Israeli soldier kidnapped by Palestinian militants. 

Produced by Sawsan Asfari (Cocoon Films), Ossama Bawardi (Philistine Films), and Nabulsi (Native Liberty Productions), The Teacher has been widely recognized on the film festival circuit. 

After premiering at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival, it won awards at the Galway Film Fleadh, the San Francisco International Film Festival, and the Washington, D.C., International Film Festival. 

Nabulsi, who earned an Oscar nomination and won a BAFTA for her short The Present, emphasized the importance of filming in the West Bank to maintain authenticity.

The North American distribution deal was negotiated by Nabulsi and Watermelon Pictures co-founder Hamza Ali, with a theatrical release set for April 4, 2025. 

“Watermelon Pictures is proud to bring this thought-provoking and visually stunning drama to wider audiences,” said Ali. “The film will prompt audiences to reflect on the impossible choices people must make in the face of injustice and violence.” 

The Growing Challenge of Depicting Palestinian Stories on Screens 

Nabulsi acknowledged the difficulties independent films face in securing distribution, particularly those tackling urgent political issues. 

“In an industry where fewer distributors are willing to take risks on independent cinema—especially those addressing political realities—it’s incredibly meaningful to have Watermelon Pictures champion this story,” Nabulsi said. 

“The Teacher arrives at a pivotal moment, as the world watches a fragile ceasefire in Gaza while violence escalates in the West Bank. I’m deeply grateful that Watermelon Pictures recognizes the importance of this film and is bringing it to North American audiences at such a crucial time.” 

A scene from the film ‘No Other Land’

 

Meanwhile, No Other Land, a Palestinian-Israeli documentary depicting the Israeli government's efforts to displace Palestinians from Masafer Yatta in the southern West Bank, continues to gain critical acclaim but has yet to secure a U.S. distributor. 

The film won Best Documentary at the 2023 Berlin Film Festival and has been picked up for distribution in 24 countries, including the UK and France.