A story of shattered dreams, uprooted communities & destruction of the soul, Farha is one of the countless accounts of al-Nakba, the 1948 Palestinian exodus that led to their displacement from their homeland for the creation of Israel. Powerful, provocative & profoundly upsetting, the film is a harrowing coming-of-age journey of a young girl whose innocence is destroyed by the violence she witnesses.
Written & directed by Darin J. Sallam in her feature film debut, the premise may be bare-boned but it is sufficient enough for the horrors of the diaspora to play out. The film acquaints us with our 14-year-old protagonist's dreams & aspirations before the coming tragedy and the despair & anguish she's left with after seeing the sheer brutality of the invading forces. It's not an easy sit but then, it isn't supposed to be nor it should be.
Most of the events unfold inside the pantry our titular character is locked in by her father after their village is attacked. The camera stays with her throughout the ordeal, shows the violence from her perspective, and aptly captures her loss of innocence. Karam Taher is outstanding in her debut performance and plays the eponymous role with emotional precision. Sound is also integral in conveying the terror unfolding outside and it is expertly utilised.
Overall, Farha informs & sheds light on a vital slice of Palestine history that its oppressors have tried to brush under the rug for decades and makes for only a small fragment of the massacres that unfolded back in 1948 & still continue to this day. Although heavy-handed at times, it does get the message across with clarity and is a strong plea for the Palestine voice to be heard & not be silenced. One of last year's better offerings and by all means an essential viewing.
