Yalla Parkour is a 2024 documentary film written and directed by Areeb Zuaiter in her directorial debut feature. The film follows Areeb Zuaiter in pursuit of a memory that reinforces her sense of belonging, and she crosses paths with Ahmed, a parkour athlete in Gaza.[1]
It was premiered at the Doc NYC on 16 November 2024, where it competed in the International Documentary Competition.[2]
An International co-production from Sweden, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, it was showcased as part of the Panorama at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on 15 February 2025.[3]
Synopsis
Areeb Zuaiter returns to Gaza, a place she first visited as a child with her Palestinian mother. After her mother's death, her longing for her homeland is reignited by a video of young men practicing parkour amid explosions. Reconnecting with Ahmed, one of the athletes, Areeb navigates Gaza's ravaged landscape, exploring parkour sites and symbols of Palestinian spirit. Through Ahmed's perspective, she faces the harsh reality of Gaza as an open-air prison, contrasting it with her life in the United States and her mother's legacy.[1]
Cast
Areeb Zuaiter, a filmmaker, looking for ways to connect with a home where she never lived.
Ahmed Matar, a professional parkour athlete from Gaza.
In October 2022, the Close-Up selected the film as one of the sixteen projects for its 2022-2023 edition, which is a tailor-made training and development programme that runs for a period of eight-months for documentary filmmakers.[6][7]
Release
Yalla Parkour had its world premiere at the Doc NYC on 16 November 2024 in International competition, where it won Grand Jury Prize.[8]
Alissa Simon, writing in Variety gave negative review and opined, "It is an approach that may connect with some viewers, although for this reviewer, it undermines the more dynamic and compelling struggles of the young Gazan."[12]
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