Our award winning short film Strange Cities Are Familiar has been released for free online. You can watch it here

The film is written and directed by Saeed Taji Farouky, and produced by Maria Caruana Galizia for Candle & Bell. It was made with support from Creative England and the BFI Network, and the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture. It stars acclaimed actor Mohammad Bakri in the lead role of Ashraf.

Ashraf has been a political refugee in London for some 30 years, content with spending his days in his study or at his local social club. One day he receives a phone call from his friend in Palestine, telling him that his son Moataz has been fatally wounded in a protest. His friend pleads with Ashraf to return home.

As Ashraf struggles to return to Palestine, he recollects moments from his past - memories that are a heavy burden and a reminder of his failures and mistakes.

Production took place in London in early 2018. The film has since screened at over 15 festivals winning numerous awards and nominations.