International sales outfit Cercamon has acquired worldwide rights to the Gaza-set documentary “Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk,” directed by Iranian-French filmmaker Sepideh Farsi.
The documentary is set to make its world premiere in the ACID program at next month’s Cannes Film Festival.
The feature offers an intimate, first-hand look at life under siege in Gaza through video calls between Farsi and young Palestinian photojournalist Fatma Hassona. In a tragic turn of events, Hassona was killed in an Israeli missile strike on her home just one day after the film’s Cannes selection was announced.
Through raw footage and personal testimony, “Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk” documents daily life during the conflict through the perspective of a generation trapped in what the filmmakers describe as an endless cycle of war.
“We were deeply moved by the extraordinary courage and resilience captured in this film,” said Sebastien Chesneau, partner at Cercamon. “Sepideh Farsi’s work offers not only a window into Gaza but also a profound testimony to hope, dignity, and the human spirit in the darkest moments of life. We are honoured to represent this essential and urgent documentary and to bring Fatma’s voice to audiences around the world.”
Farsi, whose previous works include “The Siren” (Berlinale), “Red Rose” (TIFF) and “Tehran Without Permission” (Locarno), described the genesis of the project: “This film was born out of my urgent need to find out how people are surviving in Gaza. My connection with Fatem [as Fatma was known to her friends] was a miracle, through which a deep connection developed through our year-long conversations. Her bravery and humanity transcended every moment we shared.”
She added, “The film is a tribute to her, and to all civilians trapped by war, yet refusing to give up their dreams. I am extremely happy to collaborate with Cercamon in order to share Fatem’s story widely and meaningfully.”
“Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk” is produced by Rêves d’Eau Productions in co-production with 24images. The documentary combines personal testimony with real-time footage and poetic reflection to capture life amid destruction.
Dubai-based Cercamon, founded in 2014 by veteran international sales agent Sébastien Chesneau, specializes in distinctive films from emerging and established directors. The company handles a curated slate of up to eight features annually, focusing on titles that blend art-house sensibility with global market appeal. The company’s name means “world searcher,” reflecting its mission to support unique voices in contemporary cinema worldwide.