If Birds Believed in God
“Beauty in the Struggle”
Synopsis
The story follows a day in the life of Ismail, a Palestinian photographer whose American upbringing was shaped by his grandfather’s displacement during the 1948 Palestine Nakba. When Ismail’s mother gifts him his grandfather’s keffiyeh—a traditional Palestinian scarf—it triggers an internal struggle between shame and pride in his cultural identity, all unfolding against the ominous backdrop of rising violence against Palestinians.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
If Birds Believed in God Trailer - Palestine Short Film
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-04-11
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
Streaming Window: 202 DaysSouth Western International Film Festival (Canadian Screen Award Qualifying)
Festival / Special Debut
October 25, 2025
Wide Cinema Exhibition
May 15, 2026
VOD & Digital Platforms
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Samer Saifan
- Screenplay & Story
- Samer Saifan
- Original Score
- Cankat Guenel
- Original Title
- If Birds Believed in God
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- Arabic, English
- Runtime
- 22m
- Production Studios
- Silverman Productions Sound, Infinite Zero Pictures, Brego Studios
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Samer Saifan
Samer Saifan
Cankat Guenel
Andrew Lin
Samer Saifan
Darren Zeng, Natalia Hess, Samer Saifan
Department Leadership Roster
Andrew Lin
Director of Photography
Darren Zeng
Producer
Natalia Hess
Producer
Samer Saifan
Editor
Samer Saifan
Production Design
Maya AlZaben
Production Design
Samer Saifan
Producer
Samer Saifan
Writer
Samer Saifan
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for If Birds Believed in God.
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Frequently Asked Questions About If Birds Believed in God
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is If Birds Believed in God about?
The story follows a day in the life of Ismail, a Palestinian photographer whose American upbringing was shaped by his grandfather’s displacement during the 1948 Palestine Nakba. When Ismail’s mother gifts him his grandfather’s keffiyeh—a traditional Palestinian scarf—it triggers an internal struggle between shame and pride in his cultural identity, all unfolding against the ominous backdrop of rising violence against Palestinians.
Who directed If Birds Believed in God?
If Birds Believed in God was directed by Samer Saifan.
Who stars in If Birds Believed in God?
The principal cast of If Birds Believed in God includes Adam Budron, Nasser Faris, Veracity Butcher, Jade Ziane, Leyla Modirzadeh.
When was If Birds Believed in God released and how long is it?
If Birds Believed in God was released in 2025 with a total runtime of 22m.
Who composed the musical score for If Birds Believed in God?
The original motion picture soundtrack for If Birds Believed in God was composed by Cankat Guenel.