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"Sarkha" صرخة

"صرخة" (A Scream), based on a true story from the Palestinian Nakba of 1948, follows a young Palestinian mother on her graduation day. As she prepares for the ceremony, an airstrike hits near her home, thrusting her into a desperate struggle for survival. With her baby girl, Eman, in her arms, she seeks safety amidst the chaos and devastation.

  • Ayah Al-Muqbel
    Director
  • Bhairavi Pala
    Producer
  • Dua'a Alsaleh
    Director of Photography
  • Ayah Al-Muqbel
    Screenwriter
  • Aliya Ali
    Art Director
  • Naaz Hasan
    Sound Designer
  • Dua'a Alsaleh
    Editor
  • Ayah Al-Muqbel
    Key Cast
  • Naaz Hasan
    Gaffer
  • Jolie Ayyad
    Sound Composer
  • Aliya Ali
    Costume Designer
  • Ayah Al-Muqbel
    SFX Makeup Artist
  • Bentley Brown
    Supervisor
  • Herman Coutinho
    Technical Assistant
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    صرخة
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    War drama, Tragedy
  • Runtime:
    4 minutes 13 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 14, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    Palestine, State of
  • Country of Filming:
    United Arab Emirates
  • Language:
    Arabic
  • Shooting Format:
    Canon EOS 700D APS, Manual Focus
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - American University of Sharjah
  • American University of Sharjah
    Sharjah
    United Arab Emirates
    May 15, 2024
  • Middle East Studies Association 41st Film Festival
    Washington D.C
    United States
    November 11, 2024
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Ayah Al-Muqbel

Ayah Al Muqbel is a passionate filmmaker and a recent Mass Communication graduate from the American University of Sharjah (AUS). With extensive experience in directing films and creating compelling content, Ayah has made a significant mark in the film industry. During her exchange semester at the University of Essex in the United Kingdom, she improved her communication skills and organized various social events, enhancing her storytelling abilities. This year, Ayah premiered two of her recent films and conducted a screening for the Gulf offices of Brunswick Group, demonstrating her technical prowess and deep understanding of audience engagement.

Ayah's senior project, an integrated marketing campaign for the Dubai Autism Center, won the Best Creatives Award and the Best Marketing Campaign Award, highlighting her innovative approach and dedication to impactful storytelling. Her film "Sarkha" explores themes of resilience and the human spirit's will to survive, inspired by real-life stories since the Palestinian Nakba (catastrophe) in 1948.

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Director Statement

"Sarkha" is a film born from a place of deep empathy and a desire to shed light on the often-overlooked stories of resilience and hope amidst colonization. Inspired by real-life narratives from Gaza, this film seeks to capture the human spirit's extraordinary will to survive in the face of adversity. My goal as a director is to convey not just the harsh realities of war, but also the indomitable strength and courage of those who endure it.

Through "Sarkha," I aim to evoke a sense of understanding and compassion in the audience, encouraging them to reflect on the human cost of colonization. This film is a tribute to the resilient individuals whose stories deserve to be told and a call to action for support in the global community.

As a filmmaker, I am committed to using my craft to highlight important social issues and give a voice to the voiceless. "Sarkha" is a testament to this commitment, and I am honoured to share this journey with audiences around the world.