The inspired conceit behind TEL AVIV ON FIRE, Sameh’s smart satire about Israeli-Palestinian relations, is that it uses the filming of nightly soap opera in Ramallah to lampoon stereotypical attitudes about Arabs and Jews. A double award winner at Venice, where Palestinian actor Kais Nashif took home the Orizzonti Prize for Best Actor, the film went on to enjoy plaudits at Toronto and other festivals, as well as box office success with audiences.