A young Palestinian boy and his veterinarian father make an incredible journey to transport a giraffe from Israel to the West Bank’s Qalqilya Zoo, in this inspirational drama based on a true story. Ziad, a ten-year-old boy living in the West Bank, is so enamoured of the two giraffes at the Qalqilya Zoo that he can communicate with them. Ziad enjoys helping his recently widowed father, Yacine, a veterinarian who works hard to protect the zoo as a haven for animals and for the local children who play and learn there. When one of Ziad’s beloved giraffes is lost in an airstrike, Yacine is determined to bring in a new mate from the Ramat Gan safari park in Israel. Inspired by a true story, Giraffada beautifully illustrates the bond that can grow between children and animals, while raising important questions about social justice and the tragic toll of political conflict.
Opening the Palestinian Film Festival in Sydney, Giraffada screens with Tarzan and Arab Nasser’s short, Condom Lead. More info/tix
