It Could Have Been Me

It Could Have Been Me (كان من الممكن أن أكون أنا)

Lina Abdulkarim
2025, Egypt. 11:51min

It Could Have Been Me follows Yasmeen, a 10-year-old Palestinian-American girl, whose friendship with Sumoud, a refugee from Gaza, sparks a dream that transports her into Sumoud’s world. Through the eyes of a child, the film explores displacement, resilience, and the fragile line between their lives—asking a quiet but urgent question: What if this had been you?

Language: English (with English subtitles for Arabic
dialogue)
Recommended for children under 14 years of age: Yes
Technique: 2D animation
Format: MP4_Full HD

Credits & Production Details
Directors: Lina Abdulkarim & Mohammed Elmashhrawi
Writer & Producer: Lina Abdulkarim
Lead Animator: Mohammed Elmashhrawi
Illustrator: Noor Alshalabi
Assistant Animator: Esraa Ayyad
Sound Engineer: Ibrahim Al Hajj
Voice Actor (Yasmeen): Jumanah Elsayed
Voice Actor (Sumoud): Hend Atef
Voice Actor (Baba): Mohamed Elsayed
Voice Actor (Sumoud’s Dad): Ibrahim Al Hajj

Stills:

About Lina Abdulkarim

Lina Abdulkarim is a Palestinian-American mother, writer, and children’s author. She is the writer and creator of It Could Have Been Me, her debut animated short, adapted from her award-recognized book of the same title. Her book was praised by Kirkus Reviews and Booklist and longlisted for the Palestine Book Awards. Through her film, Lina expands her mission into visual storytelling—exploring generational displacement, resilience, and the effects of war through a child’s eyes. Originally trained as a healthcare professional, Lina left her career to raise her children and later reinvented herself as an author and filmmaker. Born in Jerusalem in 1987 and originally from the West Bank, she spent six formative years living there—an experience that deeply shapes her identity and storytelling. Through both literature and film, Lina creates works that inspire dialogue, nurture empathy, and give voice to underrepresented stories.

Director’s Statement:
As a Palestinian-American mother and storyteller, I wrote It Could Have Been Me to spark empathy in children and families. I believe stories are more than entertainment—they are mirrors that help us see ourselves in others. Through both my book and this animated short film, I wanted to ask a simple but powerful question: What if this had been me? Though I come from a healthcare background rather than filmmaking, this story came from the heart. It was created in collaboration with talented Palestinian artists, including co director and lead animator Mohammed Elmashhrawi, a self-taught artist displaced during production; illustrator Noor Alshalabi; and assistant animator Esraa Ayyad, who remains in Gaza. Who better to help bring this story to life than those still living this reality? Their creativity and resilience, despite unbelievable challenges, gave the film its unique soul and authenticity. For me, this project is about preserving memory, affirming dignity, and opening doors to conversations that matter. Storytelling, when shared with honesty and care, can build empathy, bridge distance, and remind us of our shared humanity. My hope is that It Could Have Been Me opens hearts and minds—encouraging children and adults alike to pause, reflect, and carry its message long after the screen fades.

www.linaskalambooks.com

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