Anecdotes

The film was only submitted once to the Academy. Though the Academy did consider it, it did not make the final cut of the top five films in the world. There was some misinformation about why the Academy didn't consider the film the first time. The American distributor claimed he called AMPAS and asked them if they would consider it and was told they would not because Palestine is not a country recognized by the Academy. In fact, the Academy spokesperson said that the film was not considered the first year because it was never submitted. The second time it WAS considered but didn't win a nomination. The AMPAS spokesman also said that it's not their job to decide who is a country and who isn't as the UN decides that. It should be noted that Taiwan and Hong Kong are also not recognized by the UN as "official countries" but have had films nominated by the Academy.

The music used in the opening credit sequence is from an Arabic song by Mohammed Abdulwahab from the 1950s called "Me, suffering, and your love" which are what the majority of the film is about.

Chosen by "Telerama" (France) as one of the 10 best pictures of 2002 (#04)

This movie Won the following International Awards: 1- Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival 2- FIPRESCI Prize (competition) at the Cannes Film Festival 3- Special Jury Prize at the Chicago International Film Festival 4- Screen International Award at the European Film Awards

This movie was also Nominated for the following International Awards: 1- Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival 2- Best Non-American Film at the Bodil Awards

But, it was twice rejected consideration for an Academy Award; guess why.