Oscar-winning actress Zoe Saldaña has signed on as executive producer for the short film It’s Complicated. Directed by Darine Hotait and created by Iman Karram, the film explores the deep friendship between a Palestinian-American screenwriter in Los Angeles and her Arabic teacher in Gaza.
The story follows Yara (Karram) whose online lessons with a Gaza-based poet named Hana (Dina Shuhaiber) evolve into a profound bond. When war suddenly separates them, Yara must navigate grief and diasporic guilt taking on the heavy responsibility of using her voice to ensure Hana’s story is not forgotten.
Saldaña stated she was deeply moved by the film's tender portrayal of Palestinian womanhood, identity, and sisterhood. For Karram the project is highly personal; it draws from her real-life relationship with an Arabic tutor who helped her reconnect with her cultural roots and find her voice as an artist in the diaspora.
It’s Complicated will make its world premiere at the Oscar-qualifying 22nd HollyShorts Film Festival in Los Angeles which runs from 13 to 23 August 2026. This collaboration highlights a vital and growing platform for emerging Palestinian filmmakers to showcase their stories alongside internationally acclaimed talent.
