Giraffada

Giraffada is a heart-warming, immersive film directed by Rani Massalha and boasts the rich performances of Saleh Bakri, Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, and Ahmad Bayatra among others. Released in 2013, Giraffada is an international co-production between France, Italy, Germany, and Palestine.

The title Giraffada may sound peculiar, but this film tells a story that combines both reality and a dash of surrealism with extraordinary solidarity. The unique name for the movie is a combination of the words "Giraffe" and "Intifada," drawing a symbolic metaphorical comparison between the animal and the political reality of the region.

The film centers on Ziad, played by Saleh Bakri, who is a veterinary doctor working at the only zoo in the Palestinian city of Qalqilya. He is a widower and a doting father to his 10-year-old son, Yacine, portrayed by Ahmad Bayatra. Yacine has formed an affectionate bond with the zoo's two giraffes. Specifically, he befriends Rita, the female giraffe who, like Yacine, longs for companionship in the otherwise grim reality of their existence.

However, the tranquil life they lead is shattered by the harsh political reality that surrounds them. As the movie unrolls, we are able to see how the violence stemming from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict affects even the most neutral of places – a zoo, home to a child's innocence and an animal's unknowingness. During an air raid, Rita's giraffe partner is killed, leaving her anxiety-ridden and refusing to eat or sleep. Similarly, young Yacine feels this loss deeply as he tours the zoo only to be met with the void left by the giraffe's death.

Despite the bleak backdrop, Ziad becomes determined to help Rita. A speaker of multiple languages, he embarks on an ambitious cross-border mission into Israel, intending to bring a partner for Rita back to the zoo. His journey is filled with seemingly insurmountable hurdles, given the tense political environment and his limited resources.

Joining forces with Ziad is a French foreign journalist Ana, played by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, who is charmed by Ziad's determination and resolve. She becomes a vital helping hand in enabling him to achieve his goal. As their journey unfolds, we are treated to the various undercurrents of tension, warmth, and human relationships that add new dimensions to the political narrative of the film.

Giraffada is a touchingly simple yet powerful narrative that makes an emotional commentary on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict without becoming bloodied by the violent hues of mainstream war cinema. It uses its narrative wisely, effectively portraying the human side impacted by the harsh realities of war. The film does not shy away from highlighting the diffused tensions between the local Palestinians and the Israeli forces deployed around them. Yet, it does so without excessive dramatic speeches, heavy violent scenes or complicated political debates.

Instead, Giraffada relies on the power of relatable storytelling, heartfelt acting, and innocent humor even amidst desperate circumstances. The director, Rani Massalha, uses the metaphor of the zoo and the giraffes to introduce a tender sense of humanity into this landscape of conflict. It successfully strips away the hardened, political face from the Israel-Palestine struggle and instead projects the struggles of the inhabitants caught in a turmoil they did not invite or incite.

Giraffada enjoys resounding performances that draw in the audience and convincingly presents its compelling plot. Saleh Bakri, with his poignant portrayal of Ziad, exudes raw emotion and tenacious resolve, while Ahmad Bayatra, as young Yacine, is equally captivating. Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre delivers a commendable performance as Ana, whose involvement smooths Ziad’s path.

Filmed in both the West Bank and Israel, the movie offers a visual treat of pristine landscapes against a bleak backdrop. The cinematography balances both the serenely beautiful and harshly unsettling landscapes of the region, contributing to the overall storytelling.

Despite its potentially weighty subject matter, Giraffada shines as a heartwarming, poignant tale of love, loss, resilience, and unlikely friendship. It is a movie that cements itself in the viewer's hearts long after the end credits roll. This compelling venture achieves its charm through its simplicity and sincerity, offering a nuanced perspective on a complex geopolitical issue, effectively reminding us that humanity exists even amidst conflict.