International sales outfit Cercamon has revealed a raft of global sales on the Gaza-set documentary “Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk,” directed by Iranian-French filmmaker Sepideh Farsi.
The film, which had its world premiere in the ACID program at the Cannes Film Festival, offers an intimate, first-hand look at life under siege in Gaza through video calls between Farsi and young Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona. In a tragic turn of events, Hassona was killed in an Israeli missile strike on her home just one day after the film’s Cannes selection was announced.
The documentary has sold to Front Row Entertainment (Middle East); Imagine Film Distribution (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg); Dogwoof (U.K., Ireland); Filmin (Spain); Wanted (Italy); Midas Filmes (Portugal); One From the Heart (Greece, Cyprus); United People Corporation (Japan); Hi Gloss Entertainment (Australia, New Zealand); Bir Film (Turkey); Falcon (Indonesia); and Against Gravity (Poland). The film will be released in France by New Story in September.
Cercamon is in advanced discussions for the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, South Korea and Taiwan.
Reviewing the film for Variety, Siddhant Adlakha wrote: “Despite its tragic outcome, the film proves stirring in its capacity for hope against all odds, while also placing on full display the cost of occupation, portraying the full extent of the lives and dreams dashed by war.”
“From the very first screening in Cannes, we felt the emotional impact this film had on audiences — and that impact has only deepened as we’ve shared it with distributors around the world. Fatma Hassona’s presence is unforgettable, and her story resonates far beyond borders. We’re honored to help carry her voice forward, and grateful to the many partners who saw in this film what we did: a singular, deeply human work that stays with you long after the credits roll,” said Sebastien Chesneau who handles world sales at Cercamon.
“We are deeply honored to have acquired the MENA rights to ‘Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk,’ a film that now stands as both a haunting eulogy and a living testament to the courage of Fatma Hassona. That she lost her life just hours after learning of her film’s Cannes selection is an unspeakable tragedy — and a painful reminder of how urgent it is to amplify voices like hers before it’s too late. These are the stories that must be heard, not only to mourn what’s been lost, but to try and prevent further loss,” added Gianluca Chakra of Front Row Entertainment.
Their sentiments were echoed by the other distributors.
“‘Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk’ is a haunting and devastating testament to the resilience of daily life under siege in Gaza. The ultimate tragedy which befell the unforgettable Fatma only reinforces the urgent necessity to keep all our attention on the unfolding genocide, especially when no journalists are being allowed in to document the continuing horrors,” said Dogwoof’s Oli Harbottle.
“In Japan, media coverage of Gaza has been extremely limited, but we hope that the release of this film will contribute to ending the suffering that has continued for 21 months as soon as possible,” said Kenji Sekine of United People.
“I’ll never, ever forget meeting Fatma Hassona. And neither will each viewer that meets her. And bears witness to her effervescence,’ said Simon Killen of Hi Gloss Entertainment. “Upon viewing the film for the first time, we were deeply, emotionally moved and left the screening with the conviction that this film needed to be shared with as many people as possible,” added Joan Aguilar of Imagine Film Distribution.
“After ‘No Other Land,’ another bold and necessary film, perfectly aligned with our editorial line,” said Anastasia Plazzotta of Wanted.
“A necessary film, a document of a life that is worth knowing everywhere. Beyond all the devastating everyday news cycle, Sepideh Farsi gives us a unique document of the precious life of Fatma Hassona, a person that everyone should know about. We felt that it is our duty to show her life, her hopes and dreams and her talents. The film speaks for itself, Fatima Hassona speaks for herself and that’s why we feel that everyone should watch this film. It is an experience that will stay with you forever,” said Lefteris Adamidis and Sofia Angelidou of One From the Heart.”
Marta Fernandes and Pedro Borges of Midas Filmes said: “We are very honored to be the distributors of this moving and striking documentary. In a time our world is witnessing a genocide being perpetrated in Gaza, we hope the film can raise even more awareness to the situation and be part of a call for peace in order to honor the legacy of young Fatma Hassona.”
“Heart-breaking and eyes-opening film on tragedy in Gaza,” said Artur Liebhart of Against Gravity.