Private Project

The First Dinner

In the heart of 1948 Palestine, where crimes go unpunished, a daughter hears of her father’s return after years. Torn between her love for him and the truth she has always known, she struggles with erratic actions, until the full scope of the crime—long obscured from her understanding—finally comes to light

  • Thekra Zohir Makalda
    Director
  • Thekra Zohir Makalda
    Writer
  • Mohammed Ahmad Ibraheem
    Producer
  • Thekra Zohir Makalda
    Producer
  • Kamel El Basha
    Key Cast
    "The Father"
  • Jiana Awaad
    Key Cast
    "Siwar"
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    العشاء الأول
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, social
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes 51 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    July 14, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    27,279 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Palestine, State of
  • Country of Filming:
    Palestine, State of
  • Language:
    Arabic
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital canoon c300
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Beit Berl
Director Biography - Thekra Zohir Makalda

I am an Arab Muslim woman, born in the occupied Palestine, studied Filmmaking at Hamidrasha Faculty of Arts - Beit Berl. I work as a director, editor and producer in an Advertising company.

My first official film as as a filmmaker was "Girl on a Bike", it took part in international festivals.
I produced an independent short film called "In the Waiting room" and another one called "The Pet". I was also a part of several other film as an editor, assistant director, script supervisor, art and producer.
In the meantime, I'm working on my first ever feature film.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a film maker, my inspiration stems from the cultural challenges and issues we face on a daily basis. My films put a lens on these great issues and sheds its light on them through a different and more simple story line. The more simple, the brighter the idea, that's my method.

This particular film, takes on the complexity of relationships between parents and children which has always piqued my interest. The film, through its structure and complexity, despite its simplicity, shows the various dimensions of a family trauma. After fifteen long years, we witness the sudden reconciliation of a young woman in her twenties with her father.