As part of our collaboration with Filmlab Palestine, we are delighted to host The Story Lab Pitch. This special event showcases six selected projects developed through Filmlab Palestine’s training programme, which supports Arab filmmakers in creating high-quality short films for children and youth audiences.

The director and producer of each project will present their work during this public pitch session at DFF 2025. It is a unique opportunity for them to share their vision with an international jury of producers, filmmakers, and industry professionals, and to connect with the wider festival community.

Participating Projects

A Blue Melody | نغمة زرقا
Juman Qneis | Munther Khawalda | Maram Nubani – Palestine
Samir, who is on the autism spectrum, faces learning difficulties and bullying. His music teacher encourages him to overcome these challenges through his passion for piano, inspiring him to perform in front of an audience.

Drumkid | صوت صامت
Salim Jbeli | Hassen Marzougui – Tunisia
Omar, a quiet 10-year-old, finds a hidden drum set in a feared room. Playing it unleashes a magic that silences the world around him.

My Hands Made Stronger | يدي التي قويت
Zakaria Nouri | Nabil Ben Yadir – Morocco
Awa, the child of undocumented immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa, embarks on a challenging journey with her father toward education and belonging in Morocco.

The Birds Have Also Gone | حتى الطيور رحلت
Serkan Yellice | Muhammad Taymour – Syria, Turkey, Egypt
Along Egypt’s coast, 14-year-old Mohammed finds a wounded sunbird, sparking conflict with his father and leading to a lesson about freedom and compassion.

Whispers from the Other Side | صوت بيهمس الناحية التانية
Nadine Salib | Hala Lotfy – Egypt
A mute ten-year-old girl drags her cold-hearted father into the haunting remnants of a past he has long buried, where memory waits to awaken them both.

Wild Flowers | ورود برية
Ahmad Khouja | Ghassan Halwani | Jinane Dagher – Lebanon
Eight-year-old Thuraya, facing eviction from her Beirut home, is taken to a local amusement park, where musical vagabonds and a magical flying ship whisk her through an imagined city, inspiring her to find the courage to transform her own reality.