Watermelon Pictures has secured the North American distribution and exclusive streaming rights for Exception, an award-winning short film that highlights the suppression of Palestinian academic voices in the U.S. The deal was made in collaboration with M Film Lab and Open Screenplay, ensuring the film’s release on Watermelon Pictures’ upcoming streaming platform.
Exception, which stars acclaimed Palestinian American actor Waleed Zuaiter (Baghdad Central, The Spy), explores pressing themes of free speech, ethics, and personal integrity. The film specifically delves into the silencing of academic voices critical of Israel’s human rights violations. The short film has already garnered widespread critical acclaim and has been accepted into the prestigious Cleveland International Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying event, where it is set to be screened on April 2, 2025.
The film’s creation was driven by M Film Lab’s commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices in cinema. In partnership with Open Screenplay, the lab helped discover Exception, a screenplay written by Palestinian American screenwriter Nader Yousef. The script was further developed with input from Open Screenplay co-founders Khaled and Sami Sabawi, and under the guidance of Oscar-nominated executive producer Mohannad Malas. BAFTA-winning director Farah Nabulsi and award-winning Canadian director Rodrigue Hammal brought the story to life on screen.
“We are excited to partner with Watermelon Pictures to bring Exception to a wider audience,” said Mohannad Malas, founder of M Film Lab. “Given the increasing attacks on free speech in the U.S., particularly on college campuses, the release of Exception comes at a critical time.”
Hamza Ali, of Watermelon Pictures, also expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are proud to distribute Exception, a film that aligns with our mission to change the cultural narrative by bringing untold stories to a wider audience. This film is timely, and it will spark meaningful discussions about the threats to our civil rights.”
M Film Lab remains dedicated to fostering narratives from minorities, immigrants, and underrepresented communities, offering a platform for these voices to be heard and celebrated in the broader media landscape.
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