In Bethlehem, Sami meets his uncle Kamal, who runs a souvenir shop. With Kamal and his reporter daughter Miriam, they travel to Haifa seeking Sami’s lost bird.

Masharawi’s film highlights everyday Palestinian life amid conflict. Markets bustle, tourists shop, and life continues despite challenges. Filmed on location across the West Bank, the road trip evokes Kiarostami’s style while revealing Sami’s family history, including his father’s imprisonment.

Though optimistic, the film acknowledges Palestinian reality through checkpoints, searches, and military presence. These elements are treated with resignation and occasional humour. Munajim’s bright cinematography enhances the film’s warmth, complemented by strong performances from Barhom as the weary but persistent Kamal and Ayyash as the determined Sami.

“Passing Dreams” is a heartfelt film celebrating kindness and solidarity in adversity, placing hope at its centre with charm and sincerity.