حكاية الجواهر الثلاث
Tale of THE three jewels (1995)
Tale of The Three Jewels (1995)
The Tale of the Three Jewels was the first Arab film I ever watched — and it left a lasting impression. I was mesmerized by the simplicity and beauty of the story, especially because it followed three children who were my age at the time, chasing their dreams and discovering love in the midst of the harsh realities of life under occupation in Gaza.
What struck me most was how the film brought Gaza to life on screen — from the crowded alleys of Al-Shate’ refugee camp to the bustling downtown filled with vendors and shops, and out to the quieter, more dangerous outskirts where resistance fighters moved in secrecy.
Directed by Michel Khleifi, The Tale of the Three Jewels is a landmark in Palestinian cinema. It holds historical significance as the first feature film shot entirely in Gaza, and it gives voice to its people through intimate, human storytelling — steering away from clichés and politicized narratives.” — SAMYA AYISH
Country of Origin: Palestine
Run Time: 1h 52m
Language: Arabic
Rank in the list: 89th
Genre(s): Drama Romance War
Synopsis
Made in the days following the Hebron Massacre and before the arrival of the Palestinian Authority, the film tells the story of twelve-year-old Yusef, who escapes from the chaos of the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict by looking for birds in the tranquil countryside. One day his hunt is interrupted by Aida, a ravishing gypsy girl from a nearby neighborhood. Yusef is immediately smitten, but when he declares his intention of making Aida his bride, she says he must first find the three jewels missing from a necklace that was brought from South America by her grandfather. Yusef quickly formulates a plan to cross the sea in order to fulfill Aida’s request and win her love.
Notable Cast and Crew
Michel Khleifi
Director
Mohammed Nahnal
Cast (Yusef)
Hana' Nc'mch
Cast (Aida)
Mohammad Bakri
Cast (Aida's father)
