After watching The Teacher the film stays with you. Not just the visually striking scenes of Palestine, but the way it handles the sensitivity of the topic—showcasing reality with transparency and creativity. Despite the depiction of struggle, Palestinian-British filmmaker Farah Nabulsi’s latest offering is not intended to be a political statement, but rather a human story driven by its characters who yearn for life. At the recent Red Sea Film Festival, the talented writer-director spoke to Esquire Saudi about the film’s production, its obstacles, and its message.
ESQUIRE: As things stand, this film couldn’t feel more poignant and relevant. Were you under any pressure in the lead up to its release?
Farah Nabulsi: I told the story the way I wanted to tell it. I am not interested in making a movie that disguises the reality of its subject and tells a story that does not reflect the reality of what is happening in Palestine.
ESQ: How did you try to capture that realism?
Farah Nabulsi: Firstly, my understanding comes from my roots and my many visits to Palestine. What I have seen and heard has always weighed heavily on me, but the film goes beyond my sympathies and understanding of the situation with my Palestinian identity, I wanted it to take on a more general human message that will reach anyone.
ESQ: How do you maintain that balance without letting your personal emotions lead you?
Farah Nabulsi: The political and social background is important, but it is familiar to the viewer. Therefore, during the film, I focused on the characters, their human structures, their emotional trajectories, and their life backgrounds in the story. The idea is not to let the larger picture consume the characters in a way that does not serve the story. That is why it is a human story not a political one.
ESQ: You filmed scenes in Palestine in the middle of 2022. Were there any logistical problems you encountered?
Farah Nabulsi: We faced the same obstacles that Palestinians live every day. The checkpoints and road closures constantly hindered the crew, and we were often unable to reshoot certain locations as it was always difficult obtaining permits. Frustratingly, too much of the film’s already limited budget was spent on trying to sort out logistical problems.
ESQ: Do you think the subject matter of the film will restrict its distribution?
Farah Nabulsi: Potentially, but it did not stop me from wanting to create it and I am proud of the final result. I am aware of the sensitivity of the film’s subject matter and people not wanting to show it due to contrasting views on the subject, but I believe that this approach is against the purpose of cinema.
‘The Teacher’ will be released in cinemas across the GCC starting 8 February by Dubai-based distributor Front Row Filmed Entertainment