Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk: A Powerful Memorial to Fatma Hassouna
The film Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk has emerged as a profound piece of cinematic evidence, capturing the harrowing reality of life in Gaza through the eyes of Fatma Hassouna. More than just a documentary, the film serves as a raw, unfiltered testimony to a tragedy that continues to unfold, blending personal intimacy with a broader historical record of human suffering and resilience.
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Key Facts
- Subject: The film documents the life and experiences of Fatma Hassouna in Gaza.
- Director: Directed by Sepideh Farsi.
- Tragic Timeline: Hassouna learned of the film's Cannes acceptance on April 15, 2025, and was killed the following day.
- Major Wins: The film won the Gold Hugo for Best Documentary and the Lumière Award for Best Documentary.
- Industry Support: Over 350 industry professionals signed an open letter condemning Hassouna's death and the silence surrounding Gaza.
Critical Reception and Emotional Impact
The premiere of Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival was one of the most talked-about events of the year. France 24 reported that the screening drew tears and a lengthy standing ovation from the audience, highlighting the deep emotional resonance of the work.
Critics have praised the film for its refusal to lean into self-pity. Allan Hunter of Screen International noted Hassouna's inspirational optimism and her dedication to helping hungry children even as she faced the loss of friends and family. Jordan Mintzer of The Hollywood Reporter described the work as an "intimate portrait of a gifted young woman living through hell," suggesting that the film and Hassouna's photographs will eventually serve as a critical historical record of the crisis in Gaza and the state of modern civilization.
The film's presence at Cannes was also marked by political activism. An open letter signed by more than 350 actors, directors, and producers—including Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Joaquin Phoenix, and Guillermo del Toro—denounced the industry's passivity regarding the events in Gaza. Juliette Binoche, the festival's jury president, paid tribute to Hassouna, stating that art remains a powerful testimony of lives and dreams.
Awards and Recognition
The film has received widespread acclaim across the international festival circuit, securing several prestigious awards for its storytelling and documentary value.
| Award / Festival | Date | Category | Recipient(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannes Film Festival | May 24, 2025 | L'Œil d'or | Sepideh Farsi | Nominated |
| Chicago International Film Festival | Oct 24, 2025 | Gold Hugo for Best Documentary | Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk | Won |
| Asia Pacific Screen Awards | Nov 27, 2025 | Best Documentary Film | Sepideh Farsi and Javad Djavahery | Won |
| Gotham Independent Film Awards | Dec 1, 2025 | Best Documentary Feature | N/A | Nominated |
| Cinema Eye Honors | Jan 8, 2026 | Outstanding Non-Fiction Feature | Farsi, Djavahery, Hassona, Peyghamy, and Carrasco | Nominated |
| Cinema Eye Honors | Jan 8, 2026 | The Unforgettables | Fatma Hassouna | Won |
| Lumière Awards | Jan 18, 2026 | Best Documentary | Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk | Won |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Fatma Hassouna?
Fatma Hassouna was a gifted young woman in Gaza whose life and photographs are the central focus of the documentary Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk. She is remembered for her optimism and humanitarian spirit during the conflict.
When did Fatma Hassouna pass away?
Fatma Hassouna and members of her family were killed on April 16, 2025, just one day after she received news that the film had been accepted into the Cannes Film Festival.
What is the significance of the film's reception at Cannes?
The film's premiere was a major emotional event that sparked both critical acclaim and political action, leading over 350 industry figures to sign a letter condemning the silence surrounding the tragedy in Gaza.
Which major awards has the film won?
The film won the Gold Hugo for Best Documentary at the Chicago International Film Festival, the Best Documentary Film award at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, and the Best Documentary award at the Lumière Awards.
Who directed Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk?
The film was directed by Sepideh Farsi.