🎥 The roots of a crisis: While many works document the daily realities of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, few focus so intently on its inception. Set in the 1930s, Palestine 36 captures the pivotal decade that saw the implementation of the Balfour Declaration and the groundwork being laid for the establishment of the Israeli state on Palestinian land.

The plot: Under the British Mandate, Palestinians of all faiths struggle to survive. The challenges of daily life under colonial rule are exacerbated by the arrival of European Jewish refugees. As settlers begin to encroach on Palestinian labor, resources, and land — with the support of the British — the narrative tracks the rising tension of a potential partition. In response, revolutionary forces begin to coalesce in a desperate bid to save the country from catastrophe.

Palestinian writer and director Annemarie Jacir expertly spotlights the intricate social fabric of Palestinian identity, chronicling the tragedies of life under the British Mandate with meticulous precision, aided by heartfelt, visceral performances from a stellar cast. The film features Hiam Abbas, Saleh Bakri, Karim Daoud Anaya, and more familiar faces portraying the resilient residents of Al Basma, who refuse to abandon their homes, with Yasmine Al Massri and Dhafer L’Abidine portraying the Palestinian press.

The film stands out for its nuanced characterization. Even within the British ranks, we see Thomas (Billy Howle), an official who sympathizes with the Arab cause and rejects the Mandate’s policies. He stands in stark contrast to Captain Wingate (Robert Aramayo), who embodies the Zionist ideology with all its violence.

Palestine 36 is a brilliant cinematic feat. Jacir documents a pivotal year in human history through a work that has garnered both critical acclaim and audience praise, earning it a spot on the Oscar shortlist. Beyond its historical weight, the film’s technical elements — from visual composition and score to dialogue and beyond — are exceptional, making it a truly unmissable theatrical experience.

WHERE TO WATCH- Palestine 36 is screening at Zawya. Watch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 1:49).

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