Iyad (2024)
A seven-minute short film retracing the last walk of Iyad Hallaq, a disabled Palestinian man killed by a sniper on his way to school.
Iyad - Movie Information
- Original Title: Iyad
- Release Year: 2024
- Directed by: Annemarie Jacir
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 7m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Arabic
Iyad - Plot
Traces the five-minute walk that Iyad Hallaq, a disabled boy, would take from his family's home to the special needs institute where he attended class — the same route upon which he would be senselessly killed by a sniper.
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Iyad - FAQs
What is Iyad about?
Iyad retraces the short, five-minute walk that Iyad Hallaq — a young Palestinian man with a disability — took each day from his home to the special needs institute where he studied. It is the same path on which he was fatally shot by an Israeli sniper in May 2020.
Who was Iyad Hallaq in real life?
Iyad Hallaq was a 32-year-old Palestinian man with autism from the Wadi al-Joz neighborhood of East Jerusalem. He was shot and killed by Israeli border police in May 2020 while walking to his special needs center, sparking widespread international grief and condemnation.
Who directed the short film Iyad?
Iyad was directed by Annemarie Jacir, an acclaimed Palestinian filmmaker known for her feature films Wajib and When I Saw You. Jacir is widely regarded as one of the most important voices in contemporary Arab cinema, and this short reflects her deeply personal approach to Palestinian stories.
Is Iyad based on a true story?
Yes, entirely. The film is rooted in the real killing of Iyad Hallaq in Jerusalem's Old City in May 2020. Rather than dramatizing the violence, director Annemarie Jacir chose to honor his memory by quietly retracing the everyday path he walked — transforming a mundane route into a profound act of witness.
How long is the short film Iyad?
Iyad runs just 7 minutes — a deliberate choice that mirrors the five-minute walk it depicts. The brevity is part of the film's power: it asks viewers to sit with the weight of an ordinary journey made extraordinary by tragedy.
What language is Iyad filmed in?
The film is spoken in Arabic, reflecting the language and culture of its subject and the community he belonged to. This linguistic choice grounds the film in its Palestinian context and adds an additional layer of authenticity to Jacir's intimate portrait.
What films are similar to Iyad?
If Iyad moved you, films like Out of My Mind (2024), My Left Foot (1989), The Theory of Everything (2014), and Stronger (2017) explore disability, resilience, and human dignity with similar emotional depth. Dallas Buyers Club (2013) and Val (2021) also offer powerful portraits of individuals facing extraordinary circumstances.
Has Iyad received critical recognition or awards?
Iyad premiered in 2024 and has been recognized on the international short film circuit, praised for Annemarie Jacir's restrained yet devastating approach. The film has drawn attention for its political courage and its refusal to sensationalize — instead offering quiet, dignified remembrance as its form of protest.
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