At the 2024 International Film Festival in Morocco, Palestinian director Skandar Copti’s film Happy Holidays was honored with the prestigious “Étoile d’Or” award. The film’s screenplay had previously won an award at the Venice Film Festival in September.
According to the Associated Press, the story revolves around a Palestinian family living in the Israeli city of Haifa, highlighting themes of social conflicts and moral complexities.
Happy Holidays features both professional and non-professional actors and received widespread acclaim at the festival for its authentic storytelling. The film was praised for its realistic depiction and has become the first Palestinian film to win this award in Morocco.
Critics lauded the film’s captivating narrative and its exploration of identity, community, and oppression in a contemporary context.
Screenwriter Muna Copti accepted the award at the ceremony, expressing that the team’s joy was overshadowed by the ongoing war in the Middle East. Muna also condemned the inhumane treatment of Palestinians during her acceptance speech.
