The impact of a film may lie in its deeper message than simply what is on the surface.
Once Upon a Time in Gaza may be a fictional story, but its background comes from a place much more real. The story stems from the heroes and resisters of the conflict in Gaza and provides so much more than simply a story.
Written by Hailey Passmore
Decades in the making, the London Palestine Film Festival is back this November for another edition. This year’s programme includes many life-altering stories, both fictional and true. One fictional film is the Nasser brothers' Once Upon a Time in Gaza. A film that, though it is fictional, includes many impactful true elements and historical moments from Gaza.
When directors wish to tell a story that focuses on the empowerment of their people, there will always be an impact on the final product. In the case of Once Upon a Time in Gaza, there is so much said by the end. It, however, falls short as the turning point does not come until late in the film, and as a viewer, you have waited almost too long. When things finally begin to change and pick up, audiences are shocked at what they see.
Young Yahya (Nader Abd Alhay) is a student in 2007 Gaza. After forging a friendship with Osama (Majd Eid), Yahya begins working at his falafel shop. From the outside, it is a falafel shop, but in secret, Osama runs a drug operation. Working together, the two navigate their complicated double lives. One day, everything changes when a corrupt cop appears wanting more. From the sidelines, Yahya witnesses a terrible crime and is left to pick up the pieces.
We are immersed in the world of Once Upon a Time in Gaza as the Nasser brothers choose to have Donald Trump speak to introduce their film. No matter where you live, you will know his voice and having it as the opening sequence causes eyes to widen. With this brief voice-over from Trump, we are quickly invited to view the trailer for the film that will be made. As the trailer ends, we are brought back to 2007 Gaza to understand the context of Yahya’s story. An interesting method to introduce your audience to the world you are presenting to them, hoping they find a connection from the beginning.
Two years later, Yahya is not coping well with Osama’s demise. Yet out of nowhere, a film director (Is’haq Elias) associated with the Ministry of Culture asks Yahya to star in their new movie. The film is set to be the first-ever action movie shot in Gaza. Highlighting martyrs and heroes of the Gaza resistance, Yahya is hired to play the lead role. As conflict simmers in Gaza, Yahya is immersed in the world of this new movie. He is given real weapons, and his new role changes him personally. As the project carries on, the unlikely opportunity arises for Yahya to confront the man who changed his life.
As you watch Once Upon a Time in Gaza, the filmmaking style and techniques used show promise and its professional level. However, there are perhaps places in which the film lacks in terms of its script and plot. While visually nice to watch, there are times when not enough happens sufficiently to keep you engaged. Sadly, the conflict and interesting plot points in the film do not occur until close to the end of the film. Yet once you get there, there is a lot to unpack.
It doesn't matter how one feels about the content of Once Upon a Time in Gaza in terms of engagement throughout the full runtime. What matters is how they have woven the conflict in Gaza throughout. In creating a fictional film, the Nasser brothers are still sharing stories. The cities are continuously struggling between dreams and happiness, and misery and anguish. Yet it only takes one individual to help raise people’s spirits. No way is this saying that the film is not an enjoyable action film, but the deeper message woven within is most important.
Tarzan and Arab Nasser’s Once Upon a Time in Gaza premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May this year. Making its way to other film festivals around the world, it has most recently had its UK premiere at the London Palestine Film Festival on November 20, 2025. Though the film is not set for any theatrical releases, it is an important watch, should you ever get your hands on the film. Be sure to pay close attention to Once Upon a Time in Gaza’s underlying message, whether or not you watch the film.
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