Palestine just locked in its official Oscars submission: Annemarie Jacir’s Palestine 36. The film is set for its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this September—but it’s already making noise as one of the most important Palestinian stories to hit the global screen.
Set During the 1936 Palestinian Revolt Against British Rule
The story unfolds in 1936 during the Palestinian revolt against British colonial rule. At the center is Yusuf, a young villager stuck between his quiet rural life and the political storm brewing in Jerusalem. British crackdowns, economic struggles, and waves of immigrants fleeing Europe all collide in a way that feels like history and the present crashing into each other.
A Film Framing Palestine’s Story Through Colonial Power
Unlike many depictions of the Palestinian story, Palestine 36 doesn’t frame events as a religious or ethnic conflict. Instead, Jacir highlights the role of colonial power and how international alliances created long-lasting displacement. By focusing on the 1936–1939 revolt, the film connects directly to the roots of the Nakba and shows how that history still shapes today.
A Star-Studded Cast Blending Palestinian Icons & Global Names
The film’s ensemble blends global stars with Palestinian talent. Hiam Abbass (Succession), Saleh Bakri (The Blue Caftan), Jeremy Irons (an Oscar winner), Robert Aramayo (LOTR: The Rings of Power), Billy Howle (Dunkirk), Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones), Dhafer L’Abidine (To My Son), Yasmine Al Massri(Thank You For Banking With Us), and newcomer Karim Daoud Anaya as Yusuf all bring the story to life. This mix of experience and fresh voices creates a cast designed to resonate across audiences.
Keeping History Alive Through Archival Footage & Cinematic Storytelling
Jacir combines archival footage, layered storytelling, and striking visuals to make 1936 feel alive. The film gives space to personal stories—a grandmother guiding her granddaughter, a port worker pulled into rebellion, and Yusuf caught between two worlds—while still keeping the larger political context clear. It’s both personal and epic, intimate yet sweeping.
More Than a Film, It’s a Cultural Statement
With its TIFF premiere, star-studded cast, and layered storytelling, Palestine 36 is set to be more than just a film—it’s a cinematic statement. By telling this chapter of history on the Oscars stage, Palestine is making sure the world pays attention.
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