Yasmine Al Massri Revisits “Pomegranates and Myrrh”
Posts Rare Throwback Photo From Najwa Najjar’s Award-Winning 2008 Palestinian Feature Film
Image: Instagram
Back To A 2008 Classic
Yasmine Al Massri, the French-Palestinian actress best known for her dual roles in ABC’s thriller series Quantico, treated her followers this week to a look back at one of her earliest screen performances. On Instagram, she shared a still from the 2008 Palestinian drama Pomegranates and Myrrh (Arabic: المر والرمان, al-murr wal-rumman), directed by Najwa Najjar. The photo, accompanied by the simple caption “Pomegranates and Myrrh, 2008 – المر والرمان Najwa Najjar #film #cinema #worldcinema #cinematography #palestine,” instantly drew praise from fans of world cinema.
The film, which took home the Best Artistic Achievement award at the Dubai International Film Festival, follows the story of Rima, a Palestinian artist who returns to the West Bank from Cairo during the Second Intifada. As she rekindles her connection to home, Rima becomes entangled in a forbidden romance with an Israeli soldier—setting the stage for a poignant exploration of love, identity, and conflict.
Celebrating Palestinian Cinema
Pomegranates and Myrrh holds a special place in Palestinian film history. Najjar’s debut feature was among the first to gain international exposure, paving the way for a new generation of filmmakers. Al Massri’s portrayal of Rima showcased her natural ability to bring complex, layered characters to life, and it caught the attention of critics across the Middle East and Europe.
In her Instagram throwback, Al Massri let the image speak for itself—no lengthy reflection or behind-the-scenes anecdote, just a powerful reminder of early work that still resonates. The hashtags #worldcinema and #cinematography underscore her ongoing commitment to projects that push creative boundaries and highlight underrepresented voices.
Continuing Her Cinematic Journey
Since Pomegranates and Myrrh, Al Massri has amassed an eclectic résumé. Born in Beirut and raised in Paris, she studied acting at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Techniques du Théâtre. After her breakthrough in Najjar’s film, she appeared in Julian Schnabel’s Miral (2010) and co-starred in the French drama Caramel (2007). Her star power rose steadily until her turn as twin sisters in Quantico earned her international recognition.
Ever eager to support emerging filmmakers, she recently celebrated the Nairobi debut of another passion project. In June, Al Massri shared an Instagram post from Unseen Cinema in Nairobi, Kenya—where her self-written short film Thank You for Banking With Us screened 22 times throughout the month.
Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DK6oqkqta8o/
Caption: “Will Maryam and Noura secure their late father’s inheritance before their brother returns from abroad?
Thank You for Banking With Us is now screening at Unseen Cinema in Nairobi, Kenya with 22 screenings in June 🎥”
That post highlighted her work behind the camera and her desire to tell authentic Palestinian stories in varied formats.
On the heels of that Nairobi showcase, she posted another update about completing three back-to-back productions in Dublin, Cairo, and Corfu—an indicator of her global reach and tireless work ethic.
As Al Massri’s feed oscillates between activism, personal milestones, and career highlights, this latest throwback to Pomegranates and Myrrh reinforces her roots in world cinema and her ongoing passion for telling stories that matter.
Whether she’s starring in high-profile international series or championing indie screenings, her journey remains anchored in the powerful art of film.
Through a single image from 2008, Al Massri reminds us of where she started—and hints at the many chapters still to come in her dynamic career.
Read full bio of Reshmi Das
