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The Present

Name: The Present
Director: Farah Nabulsi
Released: 2020
Duration: 24 min

Representation Score

4.9/10

Fair

2020

Director

Farah Nabulsi

Runtime

24 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Farah Nabulsi’s film uses a simple errand to highlight the broader pressures of occupation. By centering a Palestinian woman’s struggle against checkpoints and segregated roads, the story challenges traditional cinematic structures. The film excels in portraying underrepresented voices and critiquing power hierarchies. However, it lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities and specific disability narratives.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Present have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories about non-straight relationships.

How does The Present portray gender?

Good

The movie challenges traditional gender roles by focusing on a strong female lead who drives the story forward with resilience and ability to act.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Present?

Excellent

The film highlights Palestinian identity through a localized perspective, critiquing global power structures from a non-Western viewpoint.

How does The Present represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The movie critiques Western-aligned political systems through a post-colonial lens, showing how institutional authority and checkpoints can be oppressive.

Does The Present include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not depict any characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Present on Screen

Provides an authentic portrayal of Palestinian identity from a non-Western perspective.
Centers a resilient female protagonist who drives the story.
Uses a small-scale narrative to critique systemic geopolitical oppression.

Limited or Absent

Does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships.
Does not feature any characters with visible or invisible disabilities.

Official Synopsis

On his wedding anniversary, Yusef and his young daughter set out in the West Bank to buy his wife a gift. Between soldiers, segregated roads and checkpoints, how easy would it be to go shopping?

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