26.05.2025 | Successful conclusion to the festival
At the Cannes International Film Festival, the film "Once Upon a Time in Gaza" by twin brothers Arab and Tarzan Nasser was honoured with the directing prize in the "Un Certain Regard" section. Two of the co-producers, Riva Filmproduktion and Red Balloon Film, are from Hamburg.
With a total of three funded films and the new "Cannes Talents" programme of the MOIN Film Fund and MV Filmförderung, the North was more present at the 78th edition of the Festival de Cannes than ever before.
Helge Albers, CEO of the MOIN Film Fund: "The Nasser twins have created an exceptionally multi-layered film that is completely convincing. 'Once Upon a Time in Gaza' allows a cinematic - and not journalistic - view of this contested strip of land, with great narrative power, black humour and a clear artistic signature. My congratulations go to the Hamburg production companies Riva Filmproduktion and Red Balloon Film as well as everyone who worked on the film!"
Three MOIN-funded films in Cannes
In addition to "Once Upon a Time in Gaza", which was honoured in the prestigious "Un Certain Regard" section, two other funded productions were represented in Cannes:
"Romería" by Carla Simón celebrated its world premiere in the official competition. Post production of the Spanish drama took place partly in Hamburg.
Fatih Akin's new film "Amrum" screened in the "Cannes Première" section. The production is based on the childhood memories of Hark Bohm and stars Laura Tonke, Diane Kruger and Matthias Schweighöfer alongside lead actor Jasper Billerbeck.
New talent promotion in Cannes: Four talents from the NorthYoung filmmakers from Hamburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern were also present in Cannes: As part of the Cannes Talents programme of MV Filmförderung and MOIN Film Fund, four selected creatives spent a week working intensively on their current projects, accompanied by network meetings, market talks and mentoring.
Along with them:
Paula Klossner (Executive Producer, Tidewater Pictures) and Nina Rathke (Script Writer) from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Linus Günther (Executive Producer, Klinker Film) and Lukas Nathrath (Director & Script Writer) from Hamburg
They were accompanied by mentor and Executive Producer Frauke Kolbmüller (Oma Inge Film).
Albers adds: "It makes us proud to have so visibly represented the North of film in Cannes with three strong festival films and four fresh talents."
More about the film "Once Upon a Time in Gaza"
The Hamburg production companies Riva Filmproduktion and Red Balloon Film are behind the drama "Once Upon a Time in Gaza" by filmmakers Arab and Tarzan Nasser. The film, which celebrated its world premiere in the "Un Certain Regard" section and has now won the award for Best Director in the "Un Certain Regard" section, is the Nasser brothers' third feature film about their homeland. "Once Upon a Time in Gaza" was shot in Jordan in November and December 2024. In addition to camera equipment, some of the crew also came from Hamburg. The MOIN Film Fund supported the production with 250,000 euros. The story of the film is set in 2007 and revolves around the young student Yahia, who befriends the charismatic falafel restaurant owner Osama. Together they deal drugs, which they hand out in falafel sandwiches. But they soon have to deal with a corrupt policeman and his oversized ego - and then Yahia is supposed to become a film star in an action film financed by Hamas.
Arab and Tarzan Nasser already enjoyed great festival success with their last film "Gaza mon Amour", which had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival.
