Netflix has grabbed yet another film that is in the race for the Best International Feature Film Award at the Oscars 2023. The film in question is Jordanian movie, ‘Farha’. It is Jordan’s official entry for the prestigious Best International Feature Film Academy Award for 2023. The hard-hitting film ‘Farha’ has been described as Jordan’s answer to the disturbing story of Holocaust victim, Anne Frank. ‘Farha’ premieres on Netflix worldwide on December 1, 2022, which is tomorrow. The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2021.
‘Farha‘ is set in the backdrop of the harrowing Israel – Palestine conflict, in the wake of the Independence War of 1948, also known as the ‘Nakba’. The narrative centres on a young Palestinian girl, Farha, who is caught in the eye of the storm when the Israeli army invades her village. As the Israeli soldiers close in, her father locks her into the pantry to save her life and the family honor. From cracks in the pantry door, Farha witnesses the massacre of her family, as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) kills every member of her family, and the village, including babies. The violence depicted in ‘Farha’ is brutal and spine-chilling.
The heart-wrenching tale of ‘Farha’ has been helmed by Darin J. Sallam, in her directorial debut. However, not all is perfectly fine with ‘Farha’ premiering on Netflix worldwide. The film is potentially a political minefield, with several notable Israeli publications and critics raising issue with the film’s core premise. They are of the opinion that ‘Farha’ unilaterally paints the Israeli side as villains, and attempts to draw parallels between the Israeli army and the Nazis. The film, as per many Israeli intellectuals, gives a one-sided view of an extremely controversial topic.
While Israel hasn’t said anything on the matter yet, it is unlikely Netflix will pay any heed to the ballooning controversy. The streaming giant is known to cock a snook at naysayers and demands for bans on its content, be it any region or country in the world. Netflix is certain to go ahead with streaming ‘Farha’ on its platform tomorrow.
Jordanian film ‘Farha’ premieres on Netflix worldwide tomorrow, December 1, including in India. Have a look at the trailer of the film –
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
