Rabat, Dec 22 (AFP) — The Present, an award-winning short film directed by Palestinian filmmaker Farah Nabulsi, has captivated audiences since its release on Netflix in March 2023, shedding light on the brutal realities of life under Israeli occupation. The 25-minute film, which has garnered widespread acclaim, poignantly illustrates the daily struggles faced by Palestinians through the simple yet profound story of a father and daughter navigating a seemingly innocuous errand—a trip to buy a new fridge.
The narrative follows Yusef, played with remarkable depth by Saleh Bakri, and his daughter Yasmine as they venture from their home to a local store. In what should be a routine day, the pair find themselves subjected to the harsh realities of the occupied West Bank. Their journey takes them through one of the hundreds of Israeli military checkpoints that dominate the Palestinian landscape, a daily obstacle that most Palestinians must face simply to travel within their own territory. As Yusef and Yasmine queue at the checkpoint, the viewer is drawn into the humdrum of their existence, where the most mundane tasks are punctuated by humiliation and dehumanisation.
Shot on location in a real checkpoint, The Present offers a stark, unvarnished portrayal of Palestinian life under occupation. The checkpoint scene, where the soldiers’ contempt for Palestinians is palpable, highlights a routine of segregation and inequality. Palestinians are forced to endure long waits and unjustified security checks, while Israeli settlers pass through their own lanes with ease and speed. The heart-wrenching moment where Yusef is detained in a cage, his belongings seized for a humiliating security check, is a microcosm of the larger system of oppression that permeates every aspect of Palestinian life.
As the film progresses, the frustrations of the father and daughter mount. Yusef, burdened not only by the injustice of the occupation but also by his chronic back pain, is pushed to the brink of breaking. His encounter with Israeli soldiers at the checkpoint escalates, and the tension threatens to turn violent. Just as Yusef loses his composure and confronts the soldiers, his daughter, Yasmine, defies the soldiers’ orders and sneaks through an Israeli-only gate. The film’s resolution, as they finally make it home with their new fridge, offers a brief moment of relief, but the larger message remains: the occupation is an ongoing struggle, and even the smallest victories come at a significant cost.
The Present is not just about the direct, visible violence of occupation. Instead, it focuses on the quieter, more insidious aspects of life under Israeli rule—where daily routines are marred by systemic injustice. The film paints a portrait of life in which even something as simple as buying a new appliance becomes an ordeal. The sense of displacement and alienation that pervades every moment of Yusef’s journey is a poignant reflection of the broader experience of Palestinians living under occupation.
At its core, The Present is a commentary on the dehumanisation of Palestinians. The Israeli soldiers’ callous remarks—one of them telling Yusef that “you all stink”—reveal the racism and contempt that fuels the occupation. The soldiers’ behaviour mirrors a broader system that views Palestinians as inferior, a mindset that echoes the apartheid policies of South Africa. As B’Tselem, the Israeli human rights organisation, has noted, the Israeli regime is grounded in a system of Jewish supremacy, systematically enforcing the dominance of one group over another.
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Yet, The Present is not a tale of despair alone. Interwoven with the film’s themes of oppression are moments of compassion, solidarity, and resilience. The film subtly highlights the strength of Palestinian communities, with acts of kindness offering a glimpse of hope amidst the bleakness of occupation. Whether it’s an elderly woman receiving help at the checkpoint or the cordiality of the shopkeepers, the small but significant acts of human connection are the film’s emotional anchors. These moments of solidarity underscore the resilience of the Palestinian people in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Through these personal connections, Nabulsi’s film illustrates the power of love and community in resisting injustice. Despite the systemic violence of the occupation, these ties of mutual support allow Palestinians to maintain their dignity and perseverance. The Present is not just a film about the corrosive effects of occupation; it is a testament to the power of human connection in the fight for justice and freedom.
In just 25 minutes, The Present offers an intimate and authentic glimpse into the daily life of a Palestinian family under occupation. Its clever direction, strong performances, and emotional depth make it a film that resonates with a wide audience, from those unfamiliar with the Palestinian struggle to those with a deeper understanding of the political situation. Farah Nabulsi’s work is a stark reminder of the everyday tragedies of occupation and a powerful call for solidarity, making it a must-see film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
