Director: Darin J.

Sallam (Farha is her directorial debut)

Release Date: September 14, 2021 (Toronto International Film Festival)
Genre: War/Thriller, Coming-of-Age

Author Introduction:

Darin J. Sallam, the director behind the powerful film Farha, is a Jordanian filmmaker with
Palestinian roots. While Farha marks her debut as a feature film director, she has already
established herself with several award-winning short films, including Still Alive, The Dark
Outside, and The Parrot.
Sallam's personal connection to the story of the Nakba fuels the emotional core of Farha. Her
own family fled Palestine to Jordan in 1948, during the same period depicted in the film. This
family history wasn't just a backdrop; it served as a direct inspiration. The story of Farha itself
was sparked by a tale recounted to Salaam's mother by a friend who experienced the
displacement as a refugee in Syria.

Introduction to the Characters:

 Farha (played by Karam Taher): A 14-year-old Palestinian girl on the cusp of

womanhood whose dreams are shattered by the events of the Nakba.
 Abu Farha (played by Khalifa Natour): Farha's father, a loving but conflicted man who
tries to protect his daughter.
 Assad (played by Ahmed Dasmallani): A young Palestinian fighter who represents the
resistance against the violence.
 Um Farha (played by Sameera Asir): Farha's mother, a source of comfort and strength
for Farha.
 Abu Walid (played by Ali Suliman): A family friend who offers Farha's family refuge.
 Farida (played by Tala Gammouh): Farha's younger sister, whose presence provides a
sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.
  Abu Mohammad (played by Majd Eid): A neighbour who seeks shelter with Farha's
family.
 Um Mohammad (played by Hiam Abbass): Abu Mohammad's wife, who shares her
anxieties with Farha.
 The Collaborator (played by an uncredited actor): A mysterious figure who plays a
pivotal role in the unfolding events.

Summary:

Farha unfolds against the backdrop of the 1948 Palestinian exodus, known as the Nakba. Nakba,
which translates to "catastrophe" in Arabic, is a central backdrop to the film's narrative. This
refers to the mass displacement of Palestinians and the destruction of hundreds of villages during
the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, leading to the creation of the state of Israel. The film effectively
portrays the historical significance of the Nakba, shedding light on the impact of these events on
Palestinian society and the enduring resonance of this period in Palestinian history.

Fourteen-year-old Farha dreams of education and a bright future. Her idyllic life in a Palestinian
village revolves around schoolwork and playful banter with her best friend, Farida, who is
getting married. While Farida embraces tradition, Farha yearns to follow Farida's footsteps and
pursue an education in the city. Her pleas for higher education clash with her father, Abu Farha's,
expectations. He envisions a more traditional future for his daughter.

Their peaceful existence is shattered by the outbreak of the 1948 war. With violence escalating
around them, Abu Farha makes a heart-wrenching decision. He hides Farha in a locked pantry,
promising to be back soon. This act of protection becomes a source of immense fear and
isolation for Farha.Farha's only connection to the outside world is a small crack in the wall.
Through it, she witnesses glimpses of the unfolding tragedy: fleeing villagers, Israeli soldiers,
and the burning devastation of her beloved village. The sounds of gunfire and distraught voices
became her reality.

When Farha finally emerges from the pantry, her world has vanished. Her village is deserted, and
her family's fate remains unknown. In a moment of despair, she encounters Odessa, a young
woman seeking refuge. This encounter offers a glimmer of hope amidst the ruins.
The film concludes with Farha joining a group of displaced Palestinians. Their destination and
future are uncertain, but a sense of resilience emerges. Farha carries the emotional scars of her
experience, yet the strength to face an unknown future with newfound companionship.

Themes:

Throughout the film, several prominent themes resonate, including resilience, loss, hope, and the
enduring spirit of humanity in the face of adversity. The narrative effectively captures the
emotional and physical upheaval experienced by the characters, offering a poignant portrayal of
the human cost of displacement and conflict. The film skillfully weaves together personal and
collective struggles, providing a nuanced exploration of the impact of historical events on
individuals and communities.

 Loss of Innocence:

Farha's world is filled with dreams - she wants to go to city to study in a school and get proper
education and live a happy life with her family. The film carefully shows how this peaceful life
is shattered by the growing violence. A scene where Farha clutches the admission form in the
middle of all the chaos and stands on the stairs to announce how she’ll be going to school soon,
later becomes a powerful symbol of her stolen future. That form which represents her education
and dreams, is forgotten as the sounds of gunfire replace the classroom chatter she imagined. The
film realistically portrays how witnessing violence as a child can leave deep emotional scars.
Farha's nightmares and hallucinations are a chilling reminder of the lasting trauma violence
inflicts. These nightmares, often filled with echoes of violence, become a way of showing the
deep psychological wounds she carries.

 Power of Family and Compassion:

While confined to the pantry, Farha finds comfort in the memories of her family and the stories
whispered through the door. The film portrays the importance of family and compassion during
hardship, but also the devastating impact of war. Another family seeking refuge Abu
Mohammad, his wife Um Mohammad, and their children arrive at Farha's house. Farha
witnesses a horrific scene through the cracks in the door or a small opening: soldiers storm the
house and kill Abu Mohammad's family. The only survivor is a baby boy left crying about the
tragedy.
Farha, traumatised and heartbroken by what she witnessed, sings a lullaby.This act is not just for
the baby, but also for herself, a desperate attempt to find comfort and ease in the face of
unimaginable horror. The lullaby becomes a symbol of resilience, a trace of hope in the
darkness.

This event reinforces the film's message about the human cost of conflict and the shattering of
communities. While Farha doesn't directly interact with Abu Mohammad's family, witnessing
their deaths leaves a lasting scar on her psyche.

 Resistance and Resilience: A Spark of Defiance:

While the film primarily focuses on Farha's experience, glimpses of the outside world hint at the
Palestinian resistance. Farha's own act of defiance at the end where she takes the gun and shoots
bullets at the lock to get out of the pantry, reflects the enduring human spirit in the face of
overwhelming odds. As the violence reaches a crescendo, soldiers eventually storm the house.
Defying her father's instructions, Farha emerges from the pantry, clutching a pair of scissors.
This tiny act of defiance becomes a powerful symbol of hope and resilience, a testament to the
human spirit's ability to push back against oppression.

 The Legacy of Trauma:

The film's ambiguous ending, with Farha's fate uncertain, forces us to confront the harsh reality
of Nakba's legacy as countless lives are displaced and forever changed by these events. Farha
becomes a representative of a generation haunted by their youth, forever marked by the violence
they witnessed. The open-ending leaves a lingering unease, prompting reflection on the lasting
impact of historical events and the questions of what became of Farha and countless others like
her.

Comprehensive Analysis:
Storyline:

Farha (2021), the directorial debut of Darin J. Sallam, transcends a simple historical retelling of
the Nakba. Instead, it becomes a powerful exploration of human experience during conflict. The
film weaves its tale through the eyes of Farha, a young Palestinian girl on the verge of
womanhood, offering a unique perspective on the emotional realities of war and the enduring
strength of the human spirit. This analysis dives into the film's themes, its strengths and
weaknesses, and the lasting impact it leaves on viewers.

Character Development of Farha:

Farha's character undergoes a profound transformation throughout the film. From a young girl
sheltered in her village, she evolves into a resilient and determined individual who confronts the
harsh realities of the exodus. Her development is portrayed with depth and authenticity, allowing
the audience to empathise with her journey and the challenges she faces.

Message Behind the Movie:

The film delivers a powerful message about resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of humanity
in the face of adversity. It sheds light on the lasting impact of historical events on individuals and
communities, emphasising the importance of perseverance and solidarity in the midst of
hardship.

Direction:

Naji Abu Nowar's direction exhibits a remarkable ability to capture the essence of the historical
period while maintaining a strong focus on the human experience. His nuanced approach to
storytelling and visual composition contributes to the film's immersive and evocative nature.

Acting :

The cast delivers compelling performances, effectively conveying the emotional

depth and complexity of their respective roles. The authenticity and sincerity of the portrayals
contribute to the film's overall impact, drawing the audience into the characters' experiences.

Message Delivery :

The film adeptly conveys its message through a combination of powerful visuals, dialogue, and
character interactions. The emotional resonance of the storytelling ensures that the film's
message is effectively communicated, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Connection with the Audience:

Farha establishes a strong connection with the audience by portraying universal themes of loss,
resilience, and the pursuit of a better future. The film's ability to evoke empathy and
understanding for the characters' plight strengthens its connection with viewers.

Strengths:

While the film possesses several strengths, let's delve deeper into what makes Farha a
compelling and impactful cinematic experience.

 Authentic Portrayal of Historical Events:

One of the film's primary strengths lies in its authentic portrayal of the historical events
surrounding the 1948 Palestinian exodus. The meticulous attention to historical detail and the
portrayal of the human cost of displacement effectively immerse the audience in the period's
emotional and physical upheaval. By grounding the narrative in historical accuracy, the film adds
depth and resonance to its storytelling, allowing viewers to gain a profound understanding of the
experiences of those affected by the Nakba.

 Compelling Character Development:

Farha excels in presenting compelling character development, particularly through the

protagonist, Farha. The film meticulously traces Farha's evolution from a sheltered young girl to
a resilient and determined individual facing the harsh realities of the exodus. Farha's journey is
depicted with emotional depth and authenticity, allowing audiences to empathise with her
struggles and triumphs. This nuanced character development adds a layer of emotional
complexity to the narrative, drawing viewers into Farha's personal odyssey and investing them in
her experiences.

 Strong Performances of the Cast:

The film benefits from strong performances by the cast, which significantly enhance the
emotional depth of the storytelling. The authenticity and sincerity of the portrayals contribute to
the film's overall impact, drawing the audience into the characters' experiences and fostering a
profound emotional connection. The actors' ability to convey the depth of their characters'
emotions and experiences adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, allowing viewers to fully
engage with the film's themes and messages.

 Impactful Positive Messages:

Farha delivers a poignant and relevant message about resilience, hope, and the enduring spirit of
humanity in the face of adversity. The film effectively underscores the lasting impact of
historical events on individuals and communities, emphasising the importance of perseverance
and solidarity in the midst of hardship. By weaving this message into the fabric of the narrative,
the film imparts a powerful and resonant thematic depth, leaving a lasting impression on the
audience and prompting reflection on the human capacity for resilience and hope.

These strengths collectively contribute to Farha's ability to captivate and move audiences,
offering a rich and immersive cinematic experience that resonates on both an emotional and
historical level

Weaknesses:

However, while the film excels in its emotional core, there are aspects that could be further
explored. Let's delve into both the strengths and weaknesses of Farha, examining its impact as a
cinematic experience.

 Predictability and Familiarity in Plot Elements:

While Farha effectively captures the emotional turmoil of the characters and the historical
period, some viewers may find certain plot elements to be predictable or familiar. This
predictability can impact the film's ability to surprise and captivate audiences, potentially leading
to a less immersive viewing experience. Addressing this concern would involve introducing
narrative elements that subvert expectations and offer fresh perspectives, thereby enhancing the
film's ability to engage and captivate viewers on a deeper level.

 Pacing of the Narrative:

In certain segments, the pacing of the narrative in Farha may fluctuate, impacting the film's
ability to maintain a consistent level of engagement throughout. Addressing pacing concerns
would involve refining the flow of the storytelling to ensure that the film sustains a compelling
and immersive experience from beginning to end. This may involve tightening the pacing in
certain scenes, enhancing the transitions between narrative beats, and maintaining a sense of
momentum that keeps the audience fully invested in the unfolding story.

 Open Ending:

The film's ambiguous conclusion leaves viewers with a sense of unease about Farha's fate. While
impactful, it may leave some audience members desiring a more concrete resolution about the
future of Farha.

Farha is a compelling film that succeeds in delivering a powerful emotional message about the
human cost of war. However, the lack of historical context and a slightly repetitive middle
section could leave some viewers wanting more. By incorporating these improvements, the film
could balance its emotional core with historical context, creating a more well-rounded
experience for a wider audience.

Conclusion:

To sum it all up, Farha stands as a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to endure
even the most harrowing circumstances. The film's emotional core, anchored by Karam Taher's
phenomenal performance as Farha, leaves a lasting impression. The limited visuals and sound
design within the pantry create a claustrophobic atmosphere, effectively capturing Farha's
descent into fear and despair, followed by a flicker of hope. The film transcends cultural
boundaries by focusing on the universal themes of loss, hope, and the search for meaning in the
face of war.

By incorporating subtle historical references, expanding the final scene to showcase the
challenges faced by displaced Palestinians, and maintaining its emotional core, Farha could
achieve a perfect balance. This would enrich the film for a wider audience, ensuring that the
story's impact and the broader context of the Nakba resonate more profoundly.
References:
 Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery. Basic Books. ([This source explores the
long-term effects of witnessing violence on children, similar to Farha's experience])
 Benvenisti, M. (2004). The struggle for Jerusalem: Holy city and divided territory. Verso.
([This book explores the historical context of the Nakba, the 1948 Palestinian exodus])
 Pappé, I. (2006). The ethnic cleansing of Palestine. Oneworld Publications. ([Another
source on the historical background of the Nakba])