Thank You For Banking With Us!
Ajyal Competition
Laila Abbas / Feature Narrative / Palestine, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt / 2024 / 97 min
In Arabic
Middle East Premiere
Synopsis
Following their father’s passing, two Palestinian sisters find themselves in a high-stakes battle for financial independence. When they learn their estranged brother, who lives in the U.S., is legally entitled to half of the inheritance, the sisters devise an urgent plan to claim the funds before it’s too late. Set in Ramallah, the story explores the complexities of gender dynamics in Palestinian society, with inheritance laws favouring male heirs. Mariam and Noura must not only contend with these legal restrictions but also with their own personal struggles—Mariam’s failing marriage and Noura’s desire to start a new life.
Over the course of a single night, their scheme becomes a journey of self-discovery, as they confront the moral dilemmas of their actions and the broader societal issues surrounding them. The film is a poignant reflection on the intersection of family, gender, and justice, with moments of dark humour that bring levity to the intense narrative. Through its portrayal of these women’s struggles, the film offers a resonant critique of patriarchal structures while highlighting the unbreakable bond between sisters. The story transcends local issues, delivering universal themes of resilience and the quest for equality.
About the Directors
Laila Abbas is a Palestinian filmmaker and producer who studied cinema in Jordan before pursuing an MA in Film and TV Production at Royal Holloway University in the UK. She made her mark with the documentary ‘Ice & Dust’ (2013), and in 2016, founded Young Oak Productions. Laila was selected for the Berlin Film Festival’s Berlinale Talents in 2019, and ‘Thank You for Banking with Us’ is her debut feature. Abbas’s work focuses on exploring gender, family, and societal struggles, and she has gained recognition for her insightful storytelling.
Credits
- Director
- Laila Abbas