Citizen Osama () is a 2026 documentary film directed by Ahmed Hassouna. A co-production of Palestine and France, it follows the besieged lives of the Palestinian population during the ongoing Gaza war.
The film had its world premiere out of competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on 5 September 2026. It was also selected as the Palestinian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards.
Premise Osama was a professional artistic photographer until the beginning of the ongoing Gaza war, now he struggles to provide for his wife and their infant amid hunger and wartime.
Release The film had its world premiere out of competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on 5 September 2026.
In late August, Roger Waters, Annie Ernaux, Matteo Garrone, Jasmine Trinca, Saleh Bakri, Céline Sciamma, among many other industry talents, signed an open letter organized by the Venice4Palestine collective calling the festival to take concrete action in support of Palestine, in the wake of the selection of two Palestinian films (Citizen Osama and Conversation with the Sea) about the ongoing conflict.
It was also selected as the Palestinian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 99th Academy Awards.
See also List of submissions to the 99th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film List of Palestinian submissions for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film
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