TV Soap Opera "Shu Fi Ma Fi?" (What's Up?)

Period: April 2006 - October 2006

"Shu Fi Ma Fi?" (What's Up?"), a Palestinian-made TV drama series composed of twenty episodes (40 minutes each) which focus on Palestinian student life in university dormitories and tackle significant and crucial issues. The action takes place in two student residences, one male, one female, and a cafeteria, where the main characters come together to discuss the issues of the day. This drama series was broadcast on Ma'an Network's ten TV stations during the month of Ramadan 2006. It was also broadcast through the Palestine Satellite Channel.

A team of 120 Palestinian professionals, comprising of actors (amateurs and professionals), a director, a producer, cameramen, a make-up team, set design and a full production and editing crew, participated in the production of this drama.

Via this medium of social drama, the characters bring to life topics such as non-violence, conflict resolution, and the promotion of dialogue and negotiations. The characters discuss a range of Palestinian social issues including inter-religious marriages, drug and alcohol abuse, theft, spying, the internet, poverty and domestic violence. Palestinian political issues such as the 'Road Map' to peace, national elections and the rule of law were also addressed.

This project is funded by the UK Government through Search for Common Ground.