Palestine 36 was created by the filmmaker Annemarie Jacir.


Palestinian auteur Annemarie Jacir makes a powerful return to narrative cinema with the world premiere of Palestine 36, a historical drama set during the turmoil of 1936 Mandatory Palestine.

Palestine 36 will premiere with a gala screening during the opening weekend of the Toronto International Film Festival on 5 September. The film weaves personal struggle with political resistance. The story focuses on the Arab revolt against British colonial rule, and marks a bold new chapter in Jacir’s career.

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The story focuses on the young Palestinian boy, Yusuf, torn between his rural homeland and the charged atmosphere of Jerusalem. Plus, Jewish immigrants escaping fascist Europe arrive and the region teeters on the brink of mass unrest. With deep historical resonance, the film immerses the audience in a defining chapter of Arab resistance. It structures individual stories within the sweeping tide of history.

The ensemble cast is anchored by award-winning veterans such as Jeremy Irons and Hiam Abbass. Plus, Liam Cunningham, Dhafer L’Abidine, Yasmine Al Massri, Kamel El Basha, and long-time Jacir muse Saleh Bakri. Creators include cinematographer Hélène Louvart, and produced by Ossama Bawardi and Philistine Films. It is an international co-production spanning Palestine, the UK, France, Denmark, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.

Jacir is a celebrated filmmakers in the Arab world. She has previously premiered her features at Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and Toronto. Her earlier films, Salt of This Sea, When I Saw You, and Wajib, were Palestine’s submissions to the Oscars.

Go: Visit https://tiff.net for more information.