Latest news with #AnnemarieJacir
Arab News
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Annemarie Jacir's ‘Palestine 36' to premiere at TIFF 2025
DUBAI: Director Annemarie Jacir's 'Palestine 36' will premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival as a gala screening. Set on the outskirts of Jerusalem, 'Palestine 36' tells the story of the Arab uprising against the British mandate. '1936. As villages across Mandatory Palestine rise against British colonial rule, Yusuf drifts between his rural home and the restless energy of Jerusalem, longing for a future beyond the growing unrest,' the official logline reads. 'But history is relentless. With rising numbers of Jewish immigrants escaping antisemitism in Europe, and the Palestinian population uniting in the largest and longest uprising against Britain's 30-year dominion, all sides spiral towards inevitable collision in a decisive moment for the British Empire and the future of the entire region.' The film features an ensemble cast including Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons, 'Game of Thrones' star Liam Cunningham, and Tunisian actor Dhafer L'Abidine, alongside Palestinian talents Hiam Abbass, Yasmine Al-Massri, Kamel El Basha, and Saleh Bakri. Jacir, whose previous credits include 'Salt of the Sea,' 'When I Saw You,' 'Wajib' and episodes of 'Ramy,' has been working on the project since before the pandemic. 'For years I've dreamed to make a film about the 1936 revolt, one of the most critical moments in our history, but in a way that is intimate, personal and raw. The story follows a group of people that each find themselves in a position they never asked for, and with something so much bigger than they know hanging over them. The film is about the moments in our lives where we are confronted with a choice, a decision that changes us forever,' Jacir previously said, according to Variety. The film was partially funded by Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Film Fund and the Qatar-based Katara Studios, among other entities.
Khaleej Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Annemarie Jacir's 'Palestine 36' to premiere at Toronto Film Festival
In a bold move that underscores its growing commitment to championing Arab storytelling on the global stage, Katara Studios has announced its support for Palestine 36 — the latest feature by acclaimed Palestinian filmmaker Annemarie Jacir. The film will have its world premiere as a Gala Screening at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), marking a defining moment for regional cinema. As a lead financier, Katara Studios has been involved from script to screen — not only backing production, but also commissioning the film's haunting original score, recorded with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra. Set on the outskirts of Jerusalem, Palestine 36 revisits one of the most pivotal, and yet overlooked, chapters of Arab resistance — the 1936 uprising. The film weaves a heartfelt portrait of a nation in flux, brought to life by a stellar cast: Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons, Game of Thrones actor Liam Cunningham, and Tunisian star Dhafer L'Abidine join Palestinian powerhouses Hiam Abbass, Yasmine Al Massri, Kamel El Basha, and long-time Jacir muse Saleh Bakri. Written and directed by Jacir, Palestine 36 marks her highly anticipated return to narrative filmmaking, exploring themes of memory, resistance, and identity. Produced by Ossama Bawardi for Philistine Films, the project brings together a powerhouse international team of co-producers including Cat Villiers (UK), Hani Farsi and Nils Åstrand for Corniche Media (UK), Olivier Barbier for MK Productions (France), Katrin Pors for Snowglobe (Denmark), and Azzam Fakhrildin and Hamza Ali.
Roya News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Roya News
'Palestine 36' by Annemarie Jacir to Premiere at Toronto International Film Festival
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has announced the official selection of 'Palestine 36', a highly anticipated historical drama written and directed by Annemarie Jacir, to premiere in the Gala Presentations section of its 2025 edition. The film's world premiere is scheduled for September 5, 2025. Set in 1936, Palestine 36 takes place during a crucial moment in Palestinian history, when widespread revolts against British colonial rule were erupting across the country. The story follows Yusuf, a young man navigating the tensions between his rural village and the politically charged streets of Jerusalem. As Jewish refugees flee fascist Europe and tensions escalate, Palestine becomes the site of a powerful uprising that reshapes the destiny of the entire region. About the Film Title: Palestine 36 Director & Screenwriter: Annemarie Jacir (Wajib, When I Saw You, Salt of This Sea) Producer: Ossama Bawardi Production Company: Philistine Films Co-Producers: Corniche, Autonomous, MK Productions, Snowglobe Countries of Origin: Palestine, UK, France, Denmark, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan Cast Includes: Hiam Abbass, Kamel El Basha, Yasmine Al Massri, Jalal Altawil, Robert Aramayo, Saleh Bakri, Yafa Bakri, Karim Daoud Anaya, Billy Howle, Dhafer L'Abidine, with Liam Cunningham and Jeremy Irons Cinematography: Hélène Louvart, Sarah Blum, Tim Fleming Editor: Tania Reddin Production Designer: Nael Kanj Original Score: Ben Frost Director's Background Annemarie Jacir is a trailblazing Palestinian filmmaker and a prominent voice in Arab cinema. She made history as the first Palestinian woman to direct a feature-length film (Salt of This Sea, 2008). Her work has represented Palestine three times at the Oscars and has been showcased at Cannes, Venice, Berlin, and other leading film festivals. TIFF Premiere Details Festival Section: Gala Presentations World Premiere: September 5, 2025 Location: Toronto, Canada Three official stills from the film have been released. For image use or further details, please contact the production team directly. As the film prepares for its global debut, all media and communication regarding Palestine 36 are encouraged to follow the official guidelines for messaging and visual materials.
The National
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Annemarie Jacir's film about Palestine revolt against British to premiere at Toronto festival
Acclaimed Palestinian filmmaker Annemarie Jacir 's historical drama, set against the backdrop of the 1930s Palestinian revolt against British colonial rule, is set to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Palestine 36 features an ensemble cast including Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons, Game of Thrones star Liam Cunningham and Tunisinan actor Dhafer L'Abidine alongside Palestinian actors Hiam Abbass, Yasmine Al Massri, Kamel El Basha and long-time Jacir collaborator Saleh Bakri. Set in Palestine in 1936, when the territory was under British control, the film follows Yusuf, who's torn between his rural home and the rising unrest in Jerusalem against colonial rule. As more and more Jewish immigrants escape an increasingly fascist Europe and calls for Palestinian independence grow louder, things spiral towards an inevitable collision, leading to the Palestinian Revolution, which lasted from 1936 until 1939. Jacir is one of the Palestine's most celebrated contemporary filmmakers, known for award-winning films such as When I Saw You (2012) and the 2017 comedy Wajib, a road trip around Nazareth that follows a Palestinian father and his highly westernised son as they hand-deliver wedding invitations. She has also served as jury member at both the Cannes and Berlin film festivals. Many of her films have been chosen as Palestine's entries to the Oscars. Jacir is also the founder of production company Philistine Films. Palestine 36 has been in the making for years. The film was further delayed when production was halted 10 days before filming was set to begin in 2023, following Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel. Filming wrapped in October last year. The film was previously titled All Before You before being changed by Jacir in February as a response to the subsequent destruction of Palestine. "Many of you have asked me what happened to All Before You. Yes it's the same film," Jacir posted on social media. "However in this year of darkness, unimaginable pain and death, a new title was born that holds all the power and strength of who we are. "The film is a testament to our people and I am eternally grateful to all my crew, my cast, my producers and every single person who fought for this film to exist." Palestine 36 is backed by Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Film Foundation 's fund. "We are thrilled beyond belief to announce Palestine 36 will be at Toronto as a Gala Screening. Congratulations to the whole team," the film's Instagram account shared on Monday.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Berlinale Posts Q&A Setting Out Position On Freedom Of Expression, Antisemitism & Palestine As 75th Edition Unfolds In Politically-Charged Times
The Berlinale has posted a set of questions and answers on its home page laying out its position on freedom of expression, antisemitism and support for Palestinian, as it gears up for the opening of its 75th edition on Thursday against a politically charged backdrop. The post shuts down a rumor that the wearing of clothes or symbols showing solidarity with Palestine is prohibited at the festival but does caution against the use of certain language around the Israel-Gaza conflict. More from Deadline Louis Theroux Returning To The West Bank For Latest BBC Documentary MK2 & Lucky Number Board Annemarie Jacir's 'Palestine 36'; Unveil First Stills & Jeremy Irons Casting Alongside Hiam Abbass, Saleh Bakri & Liam Cunningham - EFM 'Unconditional': Keshet Launching Sales On "Most Ambitious Drama" To Date At London TV Screenings The 75th edition follows a tumultuous 2024 festival, riven by internal disputes, firstly over invites to members of the far-right, anti-immigrant AfD party, then over its stance on the war in Gaza, which spilled into the closing night when winners and jury members criticized Israel's military campaign, sparking accusations of antisemitism by local politicians. This year's edition is set to unfold in equally choppy political waters. The Middle East conflict looks likely to loom large yet again with pro-Palestinian organization Strike Germany renewing calls for cultural workers to boycott the festival and European Film Market in recent weeks, although it remains to be seen whether this campaign gathers traction. The body has accused the Berlinale and parent body, the Berlin cultural organisation KBB, of stifling free speech around the issue of Palestine, and last year reported that they had evidence that a part-time staffer had been sanctioned for using the phrase 'from the river to the sea' in an internal email. Local politics are also on a knife-edge due to the rise of the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party, or AfD, ahead of general elections on February 23, which has led to street protests in Berlin in recent weeks. Incoming director Tricia Tuttle – who took over from co-directors Carlo Chatrian and Mariette Rissenbeek after last year's edition – appears to be seizing the ball by the horns in terms of regulating the tone of the debate at the festival. The Q&A quashed a rumour that the wearing of clothes or symbols suggesting solidarity with Palestine was prohibited at the festival. The Berlinale said it had been sparked by the ambiguous wording of the regulations for the KBB, and that it had sought clarification. 'The paragraph in question referred solely to a standard German legal provision regarding the wearing and use of prohibited symbols and signs that are demonstrably punishable by law, such as the swastika. Wearing or displaying other signs and symbols of national or political expression or solidarity (e.g. a watermelon pin, a Keffiyeh, etc.) is not forbidden and is fully covered by freedom of expression laws,' said the festival. But the festival did raise a red flag over the use of certain language in relationship to the Middle East conflict, notably the phrase, 'from the river to the sea'. Referring to the area between the Jordan River and Mediterranean, which houses both Israel and the West Bank, the phrase has been interpreted, on one hand, as calling for the end of Israel, on the other, for Palestinians to able to live freely and equally in the territory. 'As a festival team we feel great empathy for people who feel excluded by language and it is our sincere hope to create spaces where everyone feels they can join in the dialogue. Most dialogue related to the Israel/Gaza conflict is considered an expression of personal opinion and therefore protected by law.,' reads the Berlinale Q&A. 'However, the phrase 'From the River to the Sea' requires particular care, and there have been cases where it has been prosecuted in the state of Berlin,' it continues. 'More generally, some language may have additional cultural significance in Germany because of the Holocaust and the country's culture of remembrance and reconciliation. This is not to say that we avoid dialogue on these issues, but greater sensitivity in language can lead to more meaningful understanding.' The Berlinale said the new management had reviewed what happened on the closing night from every angle and set in place a framework to favor balanced expressions of opinion. 'We understand that many people were troubled by a perceived one sidedness, rather than individual statements made by filmmakers. Ultimately, creating balance across the festival and making space for different perspectives is the responsibility of the Berlinale rather than individual films or filmmakers,' it said. 'Also, in preparation of the new festival, we have worked on our moderators training and our frameworks for creating environments for respectful and safe exchange,' it added. Berlinale said all its guests had a right to free speech within the bounds of the law and that it stood by its filmmakers to talk about the impulses behind their work and their experiences of the world. 'The Berlinale welcomes different points of view, even if this creates tension or controversy. At the same time, we aim to create an environment in which we can listen and learn from each other, and we ask for respectful dialogue and a certain cultural sensitivity,' it said. The festival also broached Germany's recently proposed Antisemitism Resolution, which critics say impacts free speech especially around criticism of Israel. It agreed with the resolution's warning of growing antisemitism in Germany and internationally, but pushed back on the powers included in the proposed bill which has yet to be ratified into law. 'We share the opinion along with other people in Germany, that, if legally enforced, other aspects of the resolution would interfere with the fundamental rights of free art and speech. We also disagree with the sweeping categorisation of the Berlinale 2024 in the resolution as 'antisemitic'. The Berlinale has no tolerance for antisemitism.' Best of Deadline Everything We Know About Christopher Nolan's Next Film – 'The Odyssey': Release Date, Cast And More 2025 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Oscars, Spirits, Grammys, Tonys, Guilds & More 2024 Hollywood & Media Deaths: Photo Gallery & Obituaries
