Watch West Bank Story

West Bank Story is a 2005 short musical comedy directed by Ari Sandel. The film, which is approximately 21 minutes long, won the Academy Award for Best Short Film in 2006. The story takes place in the West Bank, where two neighboring fast food restaurants, "Hummus Hut" and "Kosher King," are in constant competition. The owners of the restaurants, David and Fatima, are the children of the owners of two warring families who continue to be at odds with one another in the midst of their children’s love story.

David, played by Ben Newmark, is a talented salesman who works at the Kosher King restaurant. He is a young Israeli man who is in love with Fatima, played by Noureen DeWulf, a Palestinian woman who works at the Hummus Hut. The couple must keep their love a secret, as their love story is reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, but with falafels, hummus, and schnitzels.

As their love story unfolds, both restaurants find themselves in the middle of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. When a group of Palestinian activists stage a protest in front of the Hummus Hut, David tries to intercept them to ensure that Fatima is not hurt. However, he finds himself in the middle of the protest, and the situation quickly becomes violent.

The turning point comes when David and Fatima realize that love and peace are stronger than the conflicts between their families, cultures, and religions. They decide to defy the odds and unite their families and communities with a vibrant and entertaining musical number.

West Bank Story is a satirical comedy that tackles serious issues in a light-hearted and entertaining way. It uses food, humor, and music to bring people together and emphasize the need for peace and understanding. The film is a commentary on the absurdity of the situation in the West Bank, where people are fighting over land and beliefs, while neglecting the human values that should guide their actions.

The film is also a tribute to the classic musicals of the 1950s and 1960s, such as West Side Story, which tackled similar themes of love and conflict in a stylized and romantic manner. The musical numbers, choreography, and costumes are all well-executed and add to the film’s overall charm and appeal.

The performances of the actors are convincing, and the chemistry between Ben Newmark and Noureen DeWulf is palpable. The supporting cast, including A.J. Tannen and Kamel Shaheen, also do an excellent job and bring humor and authenticity to their roles.

In terms of production values, West Bank Story is a well-crafted short film. The cinematography, editing, and sound design are all on point and contribute to the film’s polished and professional look. The film's color palette is vibrant and captures the essence of the Middle East, while the music and lyrics are catchy and memorable.

Overall, West Bank Story is a charming and insightful comedic musical that uses food and music to bring people together and promote peace and understanding in the world. The film's fusion of comedy and social commentary makes it a unique and enjoyable viewing experience. The film's message of hope and love is conveyed in an entertaining and uplifting way that makes it a must-watch for anyone looking for a good laugh and a bit of musical entertainment.