Watch Giraffada

Giraffada is a 2013 drama film set in Palestine, that follows the story of Ziad (Saleh Bakri), a veterinarian who devotes his life to taking care of the animals at the Qalqilya zoo in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Despite the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he maintains a firm commitment to his work, treating all animals with the utmost care and compassion.

One day, the zoo's beloved giraffe, named Rita, becomes gravely ill after a bombing nearby. Ziad does everything he can to save her, but is eventually forced to put her down. However, his 10-year-old son, Noer (Ahmad Bayatra), becomes deeply heartbroken by the loss of Rita, and begins to have trouble dealing with it. This leads Ziad to come up with a plan to help his son heal, and also bring hope to the community as a whole.

Giraffada is a poignant and moving story that explores themes of love, loss, and hope in the midst of conflict. It shows the resilience and fighting spirit of the Palestinian people, who, despite their circumstances, continue to find joy and beauty in life. The film also sheds light on the complicated relationship between Israelis and Palestinians, highlighting the importance of compassion and understanding amidst ongoing tensions.

Saleh Bakri's performance as Ziad is powerful and understated, perfectly capturing the character's quiet strength and unwavering determination to do what is right. His interactions with Ahmad Bayatra, who plays his son Noer, are both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, as they navigate the difficult terrain of grief and healing.

Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre also delivers a strong performance as Yael, an Israeli journalist who comes to the zoo to report on the death of Rita. Though initially skeptical of Ziad and his work, she ultimately becomes his ally, and the two form an unlikely bond that transcends political divides.

The cinematography in Giraffada is stunning, with sweeping shots of the Palestinian landscape and the animals in the zoo. It creates a sense of intimacy and closeness with the characters, as we see their struggles and triumphs up close.

Overall, Giraffada is a deeply moving and impactful film that offers a unique perspective on the ongoing conflict in Palestine. It is a testament to the human spirit, showing that even in times of great darkness, there is still hope and light to be found.