Can you tell us about yourself?
My name is Tawfeek Barhom and I’m a director, actor and screenwriter. I grew up in a fractured environment, divided by borders, which has shaped my storytelling enormously. As a result, my work is often centered around the themes of memory and identity, of what we choose—and don’t choose—to face head-on.
How did you feel when you found out about your selection at the Festival de Cannes?
When I found out about the selection, I was obviously really happy, but it wasn’t a straightforward or purely joyful experience. I’d always wanted to make films and for a long time I followed a different path, becoming an actor to stay close to the action on set and to learn. I was in Palestine when I heard the news, in quite a complicated situation. But there was both this immense joy and the very tangible feeling that a door was opening.
How did winning the Palme d’or – Short Film in 2025 change your life?
Winning this award was a real milestone and the experience left me feeling full of gratitude and joy. The most significant shift was the newfound confidence I had in a longstanding aspiration of mine: to make films. And above all, it gave me a sense of grounding and stability. It turned the idea of a first feature film into something real and achievable, rather than just a simple hope.
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned along the way, then perhaps it’s not to wait for permission.”
What are your favorite memories of the Festival?
The main thing I’ve taken away from the experience is being able to share this moment with the people who made the film. Some of the crew had been there a long time; others became a second family along the way, and that has definitely stayed with me the most.
Are you working on any projects at the moment?
I’m working on my first feature film right now, and it’s a story that has been brewing for a very long time. When I realized that making films also involved writing, I put this project to one side to prioritize the short film and learn how to write. Now I’ve come back to that original story that I’ve been thinking about for a long time, and it’s not long until filming starts.
Do you have any advice for the next generation of filmmakers?
I don’t feel in a position to offer advice because there are no rules or instructions when it comes to film-making. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned along the way, then perhaps it’s not to wait for permission.
Which film would you recommend to people? And why?
Last and First Man by Johan Johansson. It’s a very unique film that had a profound impact on me. There’s something about its form, its rhythm and its visual power that deeply affected me. It’s a film I still think a lot about even now.
