ROSHMIA
-A FILM BY SALIM ABU JABAL-
Filmmaker Salim Abu Jabal presented a screening and discussion on his film, Roshmia.
Introduction by Bruce Robbins
An elderly Palestinian couple in a final standoff with the Israeli authorities to maintain their lifestyle in Roshmia; the last natural valley in Haifa. Yousef and his wife Amna, who originally descents from the Gypsies of Palestine, have lived in a shack all alone in their eighties since 1956 in what seems to be a life of serenity; far away from the loudness of modern life. Life remains peaceful in Roshmia until the israeli authorities endorse a new road project and order to confiscate their land, demolish the shack and throw them out. A friend of the couple tries to secure a compensation from the municipality but the shack is Yousef’s home that he insists on keeping; living in bliss and comfort as ever, however the negotiations continue and tension grows among the three. Furthermore, and besides the physical displacement and despair they are nearly facing, Yousef and Amna are about to go on separate ways.
Awards
“Special Jury Prize” Dubai International Film Festival
“Best Documentary, Open Eyes Award” MedFilm Festival Rome
“Grand Prize for Documentary” Tetouan Int’l Med Cinema Festival
“Special Jury Prize” Algeria Int’l Cinema Festival
“Aljazeera Doc Channel’s Award” Aljazeera Int’l Doc Film Festival
“Alkompis Freedom Award” Malmo Arab Film Festival
“Award of Recognition” Scandinavian International Film Festival
“Audience Award” Karama Human Rights Film Festival
“Special Mention” Al Ard Documentary Film Festival
OFFICIAL SELECTIONS
DOXA Documentary Film Festival
IDFA: Int’l Doc Film Festival Amsterdam
Fajr International Film Festival
Silk Road Film Festival
Festival Int’l Cinema Mediterranean Montpellier
Muscat International Film Festival
Movies That Matter Festival
COSPONOSORS
Department of English
Salim Abu Jabal worked as a Journalist and Film Critic in various newspapers and then pursued a career in TV and Cinema; produced and directed several films, series and programs and was best known for his role as Casting Director and Producer of renowned award-winning films. His first feature 'Roshmia' was awarded “Special Jury Prize” at Dubai Int’l Film Festival, “Best Documentary, Open Eyes Award” at MedFilm Festival Rome, “Grand Prize Documentary” at Festival Int’l Cinéma Tétouan, “Special Jury Prize” at Algeria International Cinema Festival and other awards, and was officially selected at IDFA 2015 and DOXA 2016.