Academy Award-winning actress Zoe Saldaña has joined the short’s narration It’s complicated as executive producer ahead of its world premiere at the HollyShorts Film Festival in August.
Written, produced and starring Iman Karam. It’s complicated The film follows the story of Yara, a Palestinian-American screenwriter based in Los Angeles, whose online Arabic lessons with Hanaa (Dina Shuhaiber), a poet and teacher living in Gaza, turn into a deep friendship built on shared ambition, humor, and sisterhood. “When they are suddenly torn apart by war, Yara must confront grief, diaspora guilt, and the responsibility of using her voice to ensure Hana’s story is not forgotten,” the plot synopsis reads.
The film is directed by Darren Hoteit and produced by Karam, Alana Duqm, Zoe Marie Jimenez and Matt Van Tyne, with participation in the production team of Qais Karam and Zein Karam from Malibu Mutt Studios. Splinter Pictures’ Eli Zavala also serves as executive producer.
“Iman has made a very personal film about identity, grief, sisterhood and the responsibility artists feel to move their communities’ stories forward,” said Saldaña, who won an Oscar in 2025 for her performance in the film. Emilia Perez. “I was moved by the tenderness of the relationship at the heart of the film and by Iman’s commitment to telling a story rooted in Palestinian women with honesty, humor, and heart. I am proud to support her voice and the team behind her.” It’s complicated As the film begins its festival journey.”
Karam said the project is “very personal.” She continued: “I was inspired by my real relationship with an Arabic language teacher who profoundly reshaped my understanding of identity and how I want to use my voice as an artist… When you grow up in the diaspora, you may sometimes feel like you are separated from your roots, or even like you are an imposter within your community.”
She added: “What started as online Arabic lessons with Hanaa evolved into a Palestinian friendship and brotherhood that made me feel like I was seeing a real person from the other side of the world. She welcomed me into a culture that I did not directly experience growing up, but that has always been an integral part of my identity. She made me feel enough, just as I am, and gave me the courage to embrace my voice, stand in my values, and tell stories that matter to me.”
Hoteit’s film represents the latest collaboration between emerging Palestinian filmmakers and internationally acclaimed talent, with Saldaña offering her support as the project prepares to debut on the festival circuit.
It’s complicated It will have its world premiere at the 22nd HollyShorts Film Festival, taking place August 13-23, 2026 in Los Angeles. The Oscar-qualified festival will screen more than 400 short films from around the world.
