Short Film AFIN 269
AL WADIAA
Directed by 
Hedy Krissane
AFIN 2025 Nominee
- 2025
- 11m
-
Italy, Tunisia - Arabic
- PG
- Drama
Stills
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Credits
Produced by
Starring
Synopsis
In the West Bank, a young girl embarks on a tender journey to save her grandparents' olive tree, a symbol of love, memory, and resistance, threatened by destruction.
Director's Statement
“Al Wadiaa” was born from the need to tell a story of roots and resilience. Inspired by real events, the film explores the bond between land and identity through the innocent yet powerful eyes of a child. It’s a tribute to the Palestinian spirit and a reminder that no force can uproot hope. In Palestinian culture, Al Wadiaa (الوديعة) refers to the olive tree, symbolizing heritage, resilience, and deep-rooted connection to the land. The olive tree holds a sacred and historical significance in Palestine, representing peace, endurance, and the legacy of ancestors. Passed down through generations, it is considered a trust (Wadiaa) from the past to the future, embodying the people's perseverance and their unbreakable bond with their homeland.
What makes this one special
From the Judges
From the Judges
A tender portrait of a young girl and her olive tree that leaves you feeling the deep bond between land, heritage, and family. The panel responded to its natural, documentary-like visuals and tasteful handheld camerawork, the wholly believable location, and costuming that sits seamlessly within the world of the story. They also warmly noted the original, evocative score and the grounded, moving performance at the film's heart.
Director's Biography
Hedy Krissane Director
Hedy Krissane is a Tunisian-Italian director. His career spans both Italy and Tunisia, where he has developed, written, and directed various projects, showcasing a deep understanding of cinematic language and storytelling.
Krissane began his career in the audiovisual sector by directing short films that gained recognition at international festivals as Festival de Cannes, Torino Film Festival and Venice. His distinctive style blends strong narratives with a refined visual aesthetic, focusing on themes of cultural identity, human relationships, and social issues.
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AL WADIAA was an official Nominee for Best Youth Performance at the AFIN International Film Festival 2025, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.
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