A Wedding in Ramallah

A Palestinian American telephone repairman returns to Palestine for an arranged marriage with a stranger, embarking on a difficult life together that bridges different cultures, traditions, and expectations in a time of conflict.

Film Signature Image
Series
Independent Lens
Premiere Date
November 4, 2003
Length
90 minutes
  • Award laurels-r Created with Sketch.
    2002 American Film Institute-Grand Jury Prize (International Documentary Competition), Los Angeles International Film Festival
  • Award laurels-r Created with Sketch.
    2002 Australian Film Critics’ Circle-Best Documentary
  • Award laurels-r Created with Sketch.
    2002 Calgary International Film Festival-Best Documentary
  • Award laurels-r Created with Sketch.
    2002 Australian Film Institute-Best Documentary and Best Director (Documentary)
  • Award laurels-r Created with Sketch.
    2003 Cinéma du réel-Grand Prize
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    Producer

    Sherine Salama

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    The Film

    This documentary puts a human face on the Middle East conflict by chronicling the story of Bassam, a Palestinian American telephone repairman from Cleveland who returns home for an arranged marriage with a "home-made bride." On the West Bank, everyday domestic duties and squabbles are carried out against a backdrop of shelling and violence. Once in America, however, his bride discovers that life in exile is not necessarily an easier alternative.

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