Just a Spoon

10 Minutes 
Kareem Al Sawalmeh 
Experimental Documentary 
2022 - Canada
International Premiere 

Arabic with English Subtitles

A day in the life of a spoon takes a dramatic turn as the common kitchen utensil becomes the key catalyst of a prison escape that embodies the resilient spirit of the Palestinian struggle for freedom. Presented through an abstracted perspective and visual storytelling style, this poetic short takes the liberatory ideals of the now infamous Gilboa prison escape and generalizes them onto a much more encompassing demographic: freedom defenders worldwide.

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Kareem Al Sawalmeh

As a Palestinian who spent significant time living in both Canada and Palestine, I never shy away from making the most of the opportunities and privileges I have as a Canadian citizen to `Palestinianize` some of the content Canadians consume. With the lack of representation that authentic Arabic, especially Palestinian, culture receives on a societal level, it has become increasingly difficult for Canadians to form any accurate perceptions of Arabic culture that are grounded in authentic experiences. As such, I saw the residency program with TPFF as a chance for me to become a part of the new wave of exposure to authentic and modern Arabic culture in Canada; the hope being that said exposure will help adjust and correct general misconceptions of both Arabic culture and people. The best way to teach is to demonstrate, and what better way to demonstrate our culture than through the industries of film, music, fashion, fine arts, etc…

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