The Palestinian film 'Ping-Pong,' directed by Saleh Saadi, has won multiple awards in the development category at the Cairo Film Connection. Producer May Jabareen of Philistine Films shared details on the project's story, themes, and sound design in an interview with Variety. The film explores resilience and humanity amid conflict in occupied territories.
Awards and Recognition
'Ping-Pong' secured the I Sound Award, providing $20,000 in sound services, the Cinetech Award for $5,000 in post-production services, and a Special Touch cash prize of $1,500. These wins highlight the project's potential in the competitive development landscape of the Cairo Film Connection.
Story and Themes
The narrative centers on Issam, a resident of the occupied 48 territories, who faces personal loss as the war in Gaza intensifies nearby. He discovers solace in evening ping-pong matches at a neighbor's home, which serve as a sanctuary. Jabareen described it as 'a film about the quiet, resilient acts of survival,' emphasizing themes of preserving humanity, finding joy, and forging connections during grief and chaos.
Sound Design Approach
Sound plays a pivotal role, acting as an emotional force with stark realism. Jabareen noted that 'the sounds of warplanes, drones and distant explosions haunt the characters,' disrupting moments of innocence. The design aims to capture the rhythm of grief through a precise soundscape, immersing audiences in the tension of life in occupied Palestine while atrocities unfold close by.
Development Stage
The team has finished the first draft and is refining the second. Recent support includes a prize from the Masna3 initiative in Tunis, offering cash and consultancy, plus participation in the Doha Film Institute Producer’s Lab last month. Despite visa issues preventing physical attendance at Cairo, Jabareen anticipates broader exposure, potential partnerships, and valuable jury feedback.
Producer's Other Projects
Jabareen serves as associate producer on 'Palestine 36,' directed by Annemarie Jacir, which premiered in a gala at the Toronto International Film Festival this year and represents Palestine in the best international film category at the Academy Awards. Set during the 1936 Arab Revolt under British rule, it examines colonial tensions and refugee influxes. She also co-produced the documentary 'House of Hope' by Marjolein Busstra, which premiered at IDFA this week and earned a nomination for Best Dutch Film Award, focusing on a pacifist school in the occupied West Bank amid rising violence. Additionally, she is developing a dramedy series set in Palestine, two feature-length documentaries by Palestinian directors, and an animated series.