Fathers Don't Shoot
Directed by mohammed shaheen
Palestine · 2026 · 18 min 28 sec · Drama
Submitted to OnShow International Film Festival 2026Synopsis
In a refugee camp in Palestine, Saber struggles to protect his family amid the harsh realities of occupation and restricted movement. When an injured Israeli man named Yoav enters their lives following an accident, the family faces an impossible moral dilemma. As fear, anger, and compassion collide, Saber must make a decision that could put everyone he loves at risk. Through the eyes of a family fighting to survive, *Fathers Don’t Shoot* explores humanity, moral responsibility, and the devastating cost of living under conflict.
About the film
Set in a Palestinian refugee camp, *Fathers Don’t Shoot* follows Saber, a father struggling to protect his family amid the harsh realities of life under occupation. Living with his wife Layla and their children, including seven-year-old Salma, who has type 1 diabetes, the family faces daily uncertainty and restrictions that threaten their safety and stability. When an injured Israeli man named Yoav enters their lives following an accident, the family is confronted with an unexpected moral dilemma. In a place where fear, anger, and survival shape everyday life, Saber must navigate the fragile boundary between humanity and the instinct to protect his loved ones. Through an intimate family story, the film explores the human cost of conflict, the weight of parental responsibility, and the difficult choices people face when circumstances challenge their humanity.
Director
Mohammed Shaheen is a Palestinian independent filmmaker, director, screenwriter, and producer born in Beit Sahour, Bethlehem, Palestine. Since beginning his professional career in 2017, he has developed a diverse body of work spanning film, television, music videos, and commercial productions. Shaheen work encompasses filmmaking, creative direction, visual storytelling, and media production, with experience across Palestinian and Arab productions. His short film *Fathers Don’t Shoot* explores the human cost of occupation through the story of a Palestinian family living under extraordinary circumstances. The film reflects his interest in socially grounded narratives that examine family, identity, and the human experience within the Palestinian context. As a self-taught filmmaker, Shaheen developed his approach to directing and visual storytelling through practical experience and continuous creative work. His ambition is to bring Palestinian stories to wider international audiences through cinema, emphasizing authentic characters, meaningful narratives, and the power of film to connect people across borders.
Trailer
Watch the authorized trailer ↗
Official link
Film stills
Publicity materials supplied or expressly authorized by the rights holder. Publication is separate from festival selection.
OnShow International Film Festival — Inaugural Edition · 2026