Palestine selects ‘Citizen Osama’ for 2027 Oscar submission

Palestinian Minister of Culture Emad Hamdan has announced that the film ‘Citizen Osama’, directed by Ahmed Hassouna, has been selected to officially represent Palestine in the Best International Feature Film category for the 99th Academy Awards in 2027.

The film was produced as part of the ‘From Zero Distance+’ project, an initiative launched by director and producer Rashid Masharawi following the onset of the war in Gaza in 2023. The project aims to provide a platform for Gazan filmmakers to document their lived experiences and narratives amidst conflict.

‘Citizen Osama’ follows the human story of a journalist named Osama, tracing a timeline from the birth of his son to the child's first birthday. The narrative blends private family details with the broader reality of life in Gaza, specifically highlighting the experiences of Palestinian journalists working in high-risk environments. The film is scheduled to have its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2026.