Sunday, April 13, 4:00 p.m. | Alaa’s father defied the odds as a Palestinian, going from selling milk on his bike to building a dairy empire. After his death, Alaa is unable to escape the promise he made to him on his deathbed: to climb Mount Everest. This deeply personal film explores the complex bonds between father and son and takes the audience on Alaa’s journey to honor his father’s legacy. Preceded by FROM GAZA TO CUBA (2024, dir. Frank Rojazz, 14 min.) and KHSARA (2024, dirs. Jameeleh Shelo and Dean Bushala, 15 min.). This presentation will include a filmmaker Q&A.

Awards & Nominations

Winner - Best Director, Amsterdam International Film Festival
Official Selection - Amman International Film Festival, Snowdance Film Festival, Jerusalem Arab Film Festival

Founded in 2001, the Chicago Palestine Film Festival (CPFF), a program of the Middle East Charitable and Cultural Society Inc., a non-profit organization, is an annual cultural event that serves as a vibrant platform for showcasing the rich and diverse narratives of Palestinian cinema. Film synopses provided by CPFF. Learn more at palestinefilmfest.com.

The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu