9 mins. HD. 2019.
A black comedy about the training of a jihadi bride.
Premiered at Edinburgh International Film Festival 2019 “this six strong selection draws together EIFF’s pick of the most exciting cinematic voices emerging from the UK today.” Also awarded “Best Concept Film” at Catfish Shorts! Short Film Festival 2020.
Synopsis
Alja falls in love online with Ebb a self-described jihadi, and longs to visit him. But he insists on setting a series of escalating challenges to prove she’s tough enough. When events take a dark turn, it’s Alja who questions Ebb’s commitment.
Production notes
The Grab was developed and made in incremental stages. Deva began filming scenes herself as prep with Shaniaz Hama Ali, the lead actress, and when Anne-Marie Lean Vercoe, DOP, saw this footage she suggested it was with her shots in the edit.
Cast
Shaniaz Hama Ali – Alja
Amrou Al-Kadhi – Ebb
Adam Lannon – Business Man
Marcus Hutton – Helpful Lukas
Melissa Jean Woodside – Melissa
Crew
Deva Palmier – Director
Mandy Lee – Writer
Katie O’Mahoney – Producer
Annemarie Lean Vercoe and Deva Palmier – Cinematographer
John Minton – Editor
Yazz Ahmed – Music
Deva Palmier – Sound Recordist
Steve Single – Sound Re-recording Mixer
Matt Osborne and Thomas Mangham – Colour Grading for The Mill
Liza Kerlin and Colin Oaten – Colour Grading Producer for The Mill
Emily Jones – Casting Director
Iqbal Elyas – Production Assistant