Ajami

Jaffa's Ajami neighborhood is a melting pot of cultures and conflicting views among Jews, Muslims and Christians. Back and forth in time, and through the eyes of various characters, we witness how impossible the situation actually is... Sensitive 13-year-old Nasri and his older brother Omar live in fear when their entire family is in danger after their uncle wounds a prominent clan member. Naive young Palestinian refugee Malek works illegally in Israel to help finance the surgery that will save his mother’s life. Affluent Palestinian Binj dreams of a bright future with his Jewish girlfriend. Jewish policeman Dando and his family undergo a frustrating search for his missing younger brother, a soldier... The tragic fragility of human existence is experienced in the enclosed community of Ajami, where enemies must live as neighbors...

Awards & Festivals: Cannes 2009 (Quinzaine des Réalisateurs), Ghent 2009, Thessaloniki/Salonic 2009,  Best Foreign Picture nomination (Oscar 2009), Golden Camera – special mention (Cannes 2009), Youth Jury Award – Ghent 2009, Audience Award, Best Screenplay, Golden Alexander – Thessaloniki 2009