Rough Stage

Dreams and traditions collide in the heart of Ramallah

Rough Stage follows Maher, a Palestinian man and former political prisoner who works as an electrical engineer but carries the sensibility of an artist. The documentary film centres on his aspiration to stage a contemporary dance performance in Ramallah, an ambition that places him at odds with the world around him. While he attempts to pursue this creative project, he must navigate the disapproval of his family, the constraints of tight budgets and the weight of cultural norms that challenge his artistic identity.

Set in one of today’s most contested locations, the story uses Maher’s experience to reflect on a wider social landscape marked by conflict and limitation. The film presents his effort to reconcile personal dreams with societal expectations, offering a portrait of a man seeking space for artistic expression within a community shaped by political pressure and tradition. Rough Stage traces this delicate balance and reveals how the real struggle often takes place not only in the surrounding environment but also within the boundaries imposed by family and culture. Through Maher’s determination, the documentary explores creativity, resilience and the personal cost of pursuing an artistic vision.