Twin Directors Tarzan and Arab Nasser on Spaghetti Western ‘Once Upon a Time in Gaza’: ‘With What Is Happening, the Title Is Even More Appropriate’

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The twin brothers Tarzan and Arab Nasser, hailing from Gaza, have returned to Cannes with “Once Upon a Time in Gaza,” a film that reimagines the Western genre. While it may not be overtly political, its timing is undeniably relevant. This becomes evident even from the title itself.

The movie, set to debut in Un Certain Regard, was originally envisioned prior to the recent Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. It focuses on Yahya, a young scholar, and Osama, an engaging drug dealer, who operate their illicit business out of a falafel eatery. They find themselves entangled with a corrupt police officer known for his inflated ego, as they navigate the challenges that ensue.

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The movie, premiering in Un Certain Regard, was planned well before the ongoing Israel-Hamas clash in Gaza. It revolves around Yahya, a student, and Osama, a charismatic drug dealer, who conduct their drug trade from within a falafel restaurant. They are compelled to confront a corrupt cop with an outsized ego as they face the difficulties that arise.

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that “Once Upon a Time in Gaza” is my third cinematic offering, following the footsteps of “Dégradé,” which graced the 2015 Cannes Critics’ Week, and “Gaza Mon Amour,” which represented Palestine at the 2021 Academy Awards.

In the following conversation, the Nasser siblings, based in France, discuss with EbMaster how they are coping with the recent unfortunate events in their homeland as they work on “Once Upon a Time in Gaza.

How did this film germinate?

In 2015, we embarked on drafting our screenplay and continued to work on subsequent versions. Our central concept aimed to portray Gaza with the atmosphere of a Western, while simultaneously providing an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants through a handful of characters.

Does the depiction of Gaza in the movie not resemble modern-day Gaza at all? Does this worry you in any way?

In contemporary narratives about Gaza, it often feels like a timeless tale due to its transformation into virtually nothing recognizable. However, our title selection predates the current crisis. At the time, we were intrigued by the universality of the phrase: “Once Upon a Time” is used in titles like “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” “in the West,” and “in Anatolia.” So, why not extend it to “Once Upon a Time in Gaza”? Now, given the escalating situation, our title seems more fitting than ever. The people of Gaza struggle for survival amidst landscapes that were once their homes but are now mostly just ruins.

The movie essentially revolves around two individuals involved in drug trafficking, disguised as selling falafels. There’s also a crooked police officer in the mix. Could there be underlying political undertones?

In Gaza and other parts of Palestine, it’s challenging to avoid politics since they permeate every aspect of life, influencing daily routines significantly. Originally, our aim was simply to create cinema, a purely artistic piece. That’s why we selected these three characters, who could be referred to as the good, the bad, and the ugly. However, due to the political context, this Western film has evolved into something more complex.

Indeed, however, given the ongoing situation in Gaza, I find it challenging to discuss this movie without considering its context. The term “Gaza” has become synonymous with conflict these days. Furthermore, you mentioned Trump’s “Gaza Riviera” proposal in the film and occasional mentions of Israeli missile strikes. Could you tell me about your experience making this film while the most recent unfortunate events were unfolding in Gaza?

I’d like to share something with you. For quite some time, we’ve been working on this movie, and by October 6 [2023], we thought it was complete. To celebrate, we held a small gathering with two close friends, one of whom had recently returned from Gaza. He shared heart-wrenching stories about the people there enduring more hardship than usual. After October 7, we spent five months frozen creatively as we watched the news and talked on the phone with our family in northern Gaza. Eventually, we realized that we needed to press on and return to the script. The film’s theme is now clear to us: history repeats itself, and a people who have no choices, no aspirations, and no dreams continue to fight and persevere. This is the essence of the politics within our movie. We’re focusing on the struggle of survival for these people.

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2025-05-18 09:16