Palestine 36 (M)

A sweeping historical epic from award-winning director Annemarie Jacir (Wajib), Palestine’s official Oscar entry chronicles the 1936 Arab revolt against British rule.

Set against the 1936-1939 Arab revolt against British rule in Palestine – the longest anti-colonial uprising in the history of the British Empire – Annemarie Jacir’s award-winning drama brings an oft-forgotten chapter vividly to life. A strong ensemble, including Jeremy Irons, Hiam Abbass and Saleh Bakri, stage this complex story on a grand scale, capturing the Palestinian resistance against the increasingly severe and imposing force of the British. Shot in Palestine and Jordan under extremely challenging circumstances, this is a film of potent contemporary resonance. Selected for Toronto, and winner, Best Film at Tokyo International Film Festival.

Cast: Saleh Bakri, Hiam Abbass, Jeremy Irons, Liam Cunningham, Karim Daoud Anaya, Yasmine Al Massri, Billy Howle, Robert Aramayo, Kamel El Basha, Jalal Altawil

Director: Annemarie Jacir

★★★★ "Refusing to celebrate acts of terror, writer-director Annemarie Jacir creates vivid characters who offer strong perspectives on real-life events, artfully augmented by the interweaving of skilfully restored archival footage." SHADOWS ON THE WALL

★★★★ "a very powerful film that illustrates the history of resistance and rebellion that has distinguished Palestine and its people since the beginning of time" LOUD AND CLEAR

★★★★ "an epic drama, classically crafted and with an informative purpose" FOTOGRAMAS

"a humanist film at its heart, remaining deeply rooted in the lives of its characters, their relationships with their community, their love for their people, and their enduring connection to their ancestral land" ROGEREBERT

"a story of national identity and resistance with contemporary resonance, but it’s also a classic genre movie, its historical tapestry populated by a strong ensemble of screen stars as well as impressive newcomers" HOLLYWOOD REPORTER