Once Upon a Time in Gaza

Set in Gaza starting in 2007, this drama follows a student named Yahya who befriends Osama, a charismatic man running a drug operation out of a falafel shop. Their activities eventually bring them into conflict with a corrupt police officer, leading to a violent crime. Years later, Yahya is randomly cast in a government-funded television series about resistance heroes. Because the production lacks funds for special effects, he is given actual weapons, providing him with a chance to face the person responsible for the tragedy in his past.

The film was co-directed by Tarzan Nasser and Arab Nasser, who also wrote the screenplay alongside Marie Legrand. This project is the third collaboration between the directors, following Condom Lead in 2013 and Gaza Mon Amour in 2021. The movie was produced by Rani Massalha and features a cast including Nader Abd Alhay as Yahya and Majd Eid as Osama.

Released on June 25, 2025, the film is a co-production involving several countries, including Palestine, Germany, and the United Kingdom. It has a runtime of 87 minutes. Audience reception is mixed, with the film holding a 6.1 rating on IMDb based on 414 votes and a 5.4 rating on TMDB from 15 votes.