Hiam Abbass, who played Marcia Roy in HBO’s “Succession,” will soon be on the big screen in the politically-charged dark comedy “Occupational Hazards,” about a Palestinian family in Jerusalem contending with the risk of forced displacement.
Bassel Ghandour (“Theeb,” “The Alleys”) has just completed principal photography in Jordan on the timely satirical film, which takes its cue from demolition campaigns to allegedly displace Palestinian families living in East Jerusalem’s historic neighborhoods. See a first-look image above.
“Occupational Hazards” features an ensemble cast that, besides a blonde-haired Abbass, also includes Lebanon’s Yumna Marwan (“The Veil”); the Jerusalem-based Palestinian rapper known as Daboor; Palestinian actor Nabil Al Raee (“The Teacher,” “200 Meters”), and newcomer Wardi Eilabouni, who debuted with a small role in Annemarie Jacir’s “Palestine 36.” The film also features U.S. comedy podcast “Bad Hasbara” duo Matt Lieb and Daniel Maté, as well as Yaffa Bakri (“Palestine 36”), among other talents.
Abbass’ upcoming roles also comprise the comedy “Your Turn, 203,” in which she stars alongside Tunisian-Egyptian star Hend Sabri (“Four Daughters,” “Finding Ola”). Set in a battered Beirut, the film will be directed by Lebanese filmmaker Cynthia Sawma.
