Palestine 36 Premieres at Film Festivals 

posted on: Sep 17, 2025

By Jake Harris / Arab America Contributing Writer

Palestine 36, a new historical film has premiered at film festivals in the United States. The film documents the 1936-39 Palestinian revolt against British colonial rule. The film surrounds the story of the protagonist Yusef, who grapples with two fronts of conflict. The British Mandate of Palestine’s rule with an iron fist, as well as the facilitation of mass immigration of European Jews with the intent to create a Jewish state is leading to a powder keg situation with the Palestinians, who are starting to see rebellion as their only option to have a chance at sovereignty.  

Context of the Film’s Release

The film comes at an important moment in the history of Palestine, but also the history of the Middle East as a whole. The invasion of Gaza City by the IDF has recently commenced, Israeli military operations are expanding outside the Levant into the gulf states. A fragile ceasefire with Iran remains with regional fears of a resumption of the conflict. A regional ethnic conflict has now become a global point of political tension across the west. For many, October 7th is spoken of as a beginning. But for Palestinians, the story of dispossession and resistance reaches back over a century. From Theodor Herzl’s founding of the Zionist movement, to Arthur Balfour’s declaration to facilitate the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine to the Nakba in 1948.

Western history books recollection of the 1930’s and 1940’s are dominated by the rise of Fascism in Europe. Dominated by Nazi Germany’s rise and fall, and when the smoke cleared, worldwide nuclear proliferation. There seems to be a void left in terms of history education on this period of Middle Eastern history. 

Hamza Ali speaks about Palestine 36

Hamza Ali, Co-Founder of Watermelon Pictures spoke to Arab America contributing writer Jake Harris on the upcoming release of Palestine 36. Watermelon pictures is a film production company whose mission is to promote Palestinian cinema as well as serve as a voice to showcase marginalized people around the world. Ali acknowledged that the film is putting attention to an often overlooked part of Palestinian history. “The Arab revolt against the British Mandate between 1936-1939 is an often overlooked part of our history. It’s also critical to understanding why the Nakba occurred and how we got to where we are today.” Hamza Ali also emphasized that important themes we see in today’s debates over Gaza are themes in the film. Themes of dehumanization, media narratives, and resistance. 

Hamza Ali credits director Annemarie Jacir for having the “foresight to write and direct this film”. He wants the film to be remembered years from now as a “de-facto Pre-Nakba film”. A historically accurate film that is also easily digestible for a diverse audience.

Hamza Ali said that he “wouldn’t be doing his job” if there wasn’t criticism by pro-Israel voices in the media and government. He wants people of all backgrounds to watch the film. This includes groups such as Christians, Jews, and British people.

Growing Activism for the Palestinian Cause in Hollywood

The Palestinian cause is growing as a point of discussion in the mainstream American film and TV industry. Hannah Einbender, upon receiving her Emmy called out ICE, and exclaimed “Free Palestine”. Javier Bardem, one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, wore a Keffiyah scarf on the red carpet. He exclaimed “I can’t work with anyone that justifies or supports the genocide”. Hollywood figures are well known to often use their platform at awards shows to express support for a cause, or bring attention to a societal issue. Since Gaza was declared a famine by international food aid organizations, a new level of desperation has emerged. Almost like a wake up call to people still too afraid to stop sitting on the fence. A situation so desperate, that even the risks of criticism for speaking up don’t warrant staying silent anymore. 

Campaign for Recognition at the Academy Awards

Palestine 36 premiered at the Toronto Film Festival on September 5th 2025. The Palestinian Ministry of Culture has officially submitted the film as Palestine’s selection for Best International Feature Film for the Oscars in 2026. 

Want more articles like this? Sign up for our e-newsletter!

Check out our blog here!