(2024, Palestine, France, Germany, Italy, Qatar, 120')
A minor incident, with seemingly insignificant consequences, takes us to Jerusalem and deep into the folds of a patriarchal society with countless nuances. Between lies and truth lies a vast array of emotions that develop in a precarious balance between these two extremes, in a story that demonstrates how a personal event can resonate universally, affecting us despite social, geographical, and political differences.
Born and raised in Jaffa, in the urban area of Tel Aviv, the director, screenwriter, actor, and producer Scandar Copti identifies as Palestinian. His film Ajami (2009), co-directed with Yaron Shani, was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2010 and closed the Directors’ Fortnight at Cannes in 2009, receiving a special mention for the Caméra d’Or for Best First Film.
The inspiration for Happy Holidays came from a conversation I overheard as a boy. A relative of mine was telling her son about his wife: “Never let a woman tell you what to do.” This paradox shows how deeply rooted patriarchal values are and how even women feel compelled to uphold them.
Scandar Copti
