# An Orange from Jaffa

An Orange from Jaffa is a 2024 short film written and directed by Mohammed Almughanni. The Palestinian-Polish-French co-production film is about Mohammed, a young Palestinian, embarks on a tense journey to cross an Israeli checkpoint with a temporary Polish residence card. After being turned down by other drivers, Farouk, a well-meaning taxi driver, offers him a ride. However, they soon encounter severe trouble when the checkpoint authorities discover Mohammed’s previous failed attempt to cross.
An Orange from Jaffa, winner of Grand Prix at the 46th Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, was shortlisted for the Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards in December 2024.

## Synopsis
### Theme

The Jaffa orange serves as a potent symbol of Palestinians' deep connection to their land and the significant losses they have endured. In the film, the sharing of a Jaffa orange reaches an emotional peak, encapsulating Palestinian longing and loss without relying on heavy-handed symbolism.

### Content

Mohammed, a young Palestinian student who is trying to get to Jaffa, sets out on a stressful journey to cross an Israeli checkpoint using a temporary Polish residence card. Despite being refused by other drivers, he finally gets a ride from Farouk, a kind-hearted taxi driver. However, they face significant trouble when the checkpoint authorities discover Mohammed’s earlier failed attempt to cross. The film vividly portrays the harsh reality of living under occupation and the personal toll it takes.

## Cast

* Samer Bisharat as Mohammed
* Kamel El Basha as Farouk
* Nisreen Aljubeh as mother (background voice)
* Ameer Khlawe as Assaf
* Diaa Mughrabi as Ofer
* Khaled Mayer as Etay
* Razan Abo Odeh as soldier
* Mahmoud Hussein as soldier
* Nasser Bader as taxi driver
* Jihad Shomali as taxi driver
* Saud Rishmawi as settler
* Alaa Khanjar as settler
* William Abdullah as driver
* Murad Al Jubeh as driver
* Odeh Tantar as driver
* Faeq Deck as driver

## Production

The film is directed by Mohammed Almughanni and produced by Gaza Films, and Studio Indeks. It received financial support from Synecdoche, Lumisenta Film Foundation, the War on Screen program, CNC. The short film was sold to Arte television. The filming was wrapped up on 27 June 2022.

## Release

An Orange from Jaffa had its premiere at War on Screen on 7 October 2023. In May 2024 it competed in International Short Film Competition at the 64th Kraków Film Festival.
In May 2024, It also competed in the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen.
On 3 July 2024, it was screened at the Freedom Film Festival, and on 21 July at the New Horizons Film Festival, Wrocław, Poland. In September 2024, it competed in the Gdynia Film Festival. In November 2024, it competed at the Leeds International Film Festival in Louis le Prince International Short Film Competition 3.

## Accolades

| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result |
| Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival | 13 February 2024 | Grand Prix | Mohammed Almughanni | Won |
| El Gouna Film Festival | October 2024 | Silver Star Award | Mohammed Almughanni | Won |
| Kraków Film Festival | 2 June 2024 | Best European Short Film | Mohammed Almughanni | Won |
| Le Cri du Court Festival | 19 May 2024 | Audience Award | An Orange from Jaffa/Mohammed Almughanni | Won |
| Le Cri du Court Festival | 19 May 2024 | Best Actor Award | Kamel El Basha | Won |
| Gdynia Film Festival | 28 September 2024 | Lucjan Bokiniec Award for Best Short Film | Mohammed Almughanni | Won |
| Leeds International Film Festival | 17 November 2024 | Louis Le Prince Award | An Orange from Jaffa/Mohammed Almughanni | Won |
| Corto Dorico Film Festival | 9 December 2024 | Amnesty International Award | An Orange from Jaffa/Mohammed Almughanni | Won |
| Cairo International Short Film Festival | 24 December 2024 | Golden Tower Award for best film of International Competition | An Orange from Jaffa/Mohammed Almughanni | Won |