Maha Haj is a Palestinian director and writer. She began her cinematic career working as a set designer, script doctor, and art director. In 2009, she wrote and directed the short film 'Burtuqal' whic h was released to critical acclaim and was screened at many international film festivals, and then the documentary film 'Behind These Walls' (2010). Her first feature film PERSONAL AFFAIRS, was nominated for Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard official selection in 2016 and won numerous awards. Her 2nd feature 'Mediterranean Fever' (2022), also debuted at Un Certain Regard section and won the best screenplay award. Read More

synopsis

Waleed lives in Haifa with his wife and children and dreams of a writing career while suffering from chronic depression. He develops a close relationship with his neighbor Jalal, a small-time crook), with an ulterior plot in mind. While the scheme turns into an unexpected friendship between the two men, it leads them into a journey of dark encounters. // Mediterranean Fever, pairs Waleed, a depressed and stubborn wannabe Palestinian living in Haifa, with Jalal, a small-time crook. As the two men develop an unlikely friendship, their love-hate rapport leads them on a journey of dark encounters. Read More

Highlights

Cannes Film Festival, France

Best International Feature Film Submission for the Academy Awards, Palestine

Hong Kong International Film Festival, Hong Kong