A Palm Frond
Fall Grants 2024 - Post-Production Stage
Mahdi Ali Ali / Short Narrative / Qatar, United States of America / 15 min / Original Language: English / Interests: Drama
Synopsis
““In ‘A Palm Frond’, a deeply introspective tale unfolds as a woman grapples with love, loss, and the mysteries of the sea. On a beach, she stands in a red dress, her demeanour defensive against the crashing waves. At home, conversations with her husband echo, weaving between past truths and fantastical folklore about the Arabian Gulf’s women who punished the sea by burning it. Through vivid dream sequences and poignant memories, the wife’s internal struggle is revealed—an aquarium teeming with life contrasts with the lifelessness of a forgotten vase of roses. Her connection to the ocean intensifies as she symbolically casts away her husband’s belongings and finds solace in the rhythmic tide.
The narrative dances between reality and dreams, where women armed with flaming palm branches wage a mythical battle against the sea. The wife’s journey crescendos in a hauntingly poetic ritual as she confronts her fears and seeks closure, striking the waves with a burning branch. Her actions, driven by a blend of pain and resilience, leave an indelible mark on the vast, indifferent sea, mirroring her quest to navigate the depths of her own heart.”
Credits
- Director
- Mahdi Ali Ali
- Screenwriter
- Mahdi Ali Ali
- Producer
- Mahdi Ali Ali, Ala'a Amer
- Production Company
- Hezayah INC, Semasser LLC
About the Director
Mahdi Ali Ali is a Qatari filmmaker and educator renowned for his contributions to cinema and the development of emerging filmmakers. Holding an MFA from EICAR, the International Film School of Paris, he has directed several acclaimed short films, including ‘Champs Elysées, I Love You’ (2009), ‘The Gulf Habibi’ (2011), and ‘Amphitheater’ (2019). His work often explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, and personal expression.