This critically acclaimed film explores the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in a satirical comedy. When Salam, a hapless young Palestinian man with no experience in the television business, begins work on a soap opera filmed in Ramallah, his daily commute takes him through an Israeli checkpoint. IDF officer Assi soon discovers Salam’s connection to the show—and his own wife’s obsession with it—so he uses his power to become Salam’s secret writing partner. With both men now invested in the soap’s narrative arc, Salam has to concoct plot twists to suit viewers on both sides.
“Sharp-eyed and funny.”
—A. O. Scott, New York Times
WINNER: Best Film, Haifa International Film Festival and Venice Film Festival, 2018
NOMINATED: 4 Israeli Academy Awards, including Best Film, 2019