“Occupational Hazards”, interview with the producer, Rula Nasser

Rula Nasser, producer (with The Imaginarium Films) of the film Occupational Hazards by Bassel Ghandour, discusses this compelling Palestinian family dark comedy and drama. The film is one of the six feature films selected at the 14th edition of Final Cut in Venice 2026, the program of Venice Film Festival and Venice Production Bridge that supports film in post-production from all African countries and six countries of the Middle East (Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen).

A  perspective on Palestinian resilience amid restrictions

The story of Occupational Hazards centers on a Palestinian family living in Jerusalem, navigating the complex realities of occupation with humor and irony. Bassel Ghandour aimed to depict how Palestinians creatively resist displacement and preserve their homes through dark comedy. The film offers a perspective on resilience amid restrictions, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in highlighting everyday struggles. The narrative draws on real stories collected over two years of research, portraying a family living in a house where underground tunnels and crack repairs symbolize the ongoing conflict. This approach combines authenticity with irony, making it a vital project today, especially in Arab and Palestinian contexts.

The making of “Occupational Hazards”

collective experience of Palestinians facing occupation laws. Bassel Ghandour’s research involved extensive fieldwork, including living in Jerusalem with a British passport and engaging with local youth and activists. The production involved a diverse crew, including Palestinian professionals and actors from the Palestinian diaspora, to ensure authenticity. The film’s casting includes professionals from Lebanon, Haifa, Jerusalem, and Palestinians living abroad, reflecting the community’s multifaceted identity. Shooting took place in Jordan to mirror Jerusalem’s environment, utilizing VFX to recreate Jerusalem’s cityscape and conflict zones

Occupational Hazards is a collaborative international production, co-financed by Arab funds and supported by partners in Qatar, Poland, and the UK. The post-production stage has just begun, with plans to finalize the film by early next year. The team is actively seeking distributors and international markets to showcase the project further.

This is Rula Nasser’s third time participating in the Final Cut program, which she values for its support in elevating the film’s quality and market reach. Past projects supported by final cut include Inshallah, a Boy by Amjad Al-Rasheed, which received recognition and awards. The team is optimistic about the film’s future, aiming to amplify Palestinian stories on the global stage.

 

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