The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed the films competing in 10 categories for the upcoming Oscars. These categories include documentary feature, documentary short film, international feature, and live-action short film.
Among them, four films by Arab filmmakers have garnered international acclaim and are now in the spotlight. The prestigious Oscars ceremony will take place on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, with the final nominations set to be announced on January 17.
Hollywoodgate
Exploring Taliban-Controlled Afghanistan
Directed by the acclaimed Egyptian filmmaker Ibrahim Nash’at, Hollywoodgate takes viewers into Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The documentary examines the Taliban’s takeover of the Hollywood Gate complex—a former CIA base in Kabul—after the US withdrew its forces. Nash’at spent over a year embedded with the Taliban to create this unprecedented look into their operations.
The film is produced by Nash’at alongside Shane Boris, known for Navalny, and Talal Derki, whose work on Of Fathers and Sons earned an Oscar nomination. Hollywoodgate is a standout in the documentary feature category, offering a gripping narrative with rare insights.
No Other Land
Defending a West Bank Village
No Other Land captures the challenges faced by Palestinian journalist Basel Adra in protecting his West Bank village from Israeli settlers. Directed by Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, this Israeli-Palestinian collaboration showcases resilience amidst adversity.
The film has already made waves at festivals, winning accolades from the Berlin International Film Festival, the International Documentary Association, and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards. Its powerful storytelling has secured its place in the documentary feature shortlist.
From Ground Zero
Gaza’s Short Film Collection
From Ground Zero is an ambitious project featuring 22 short films by Gazan filmmakers. Spearheaded by Palestinian filmmaker Rashid Masharawi, the collection highlights stories of resilience, hope, and creativity.
Using various techniques like animation, puppetry, and stop-motion, the films explore a range of emotions, from tragedy to joy. The project premiered at the Amman International Film Festival and has been shortlisted for the international feature film category. Though it missed the Cannes Film Festival lineup, Masharawi staged a protest screening to amplify its message.
An Orange from Jaffa
A Struggle at a Checkpoint
Directed by Gaza-born filmmaker Mohammed Almughanni, An Orange from Jaffa tells the story of a young Palestinian man trying to cross an Israeli checkpoint. The narrative unfolds as complications arise with the taxi driver when the man’s earlier attempt to pass the checkpoint fails.
The live-action short has already gained recognition, winning awards at prestigious festivals such as the Krakow Film Festival, Leeds International Film Festival, and El Gouna Film Festival. Its poignant storytelling earned it a spot in the live-action short film category.
These films, each with unique perspectives and themes, represent the rich storytelling talent of Arab filmmakers. Their international recognition underscores the power of cinema to bridge cultures and share compelling narratives with the world.
