When delving into the origins of a country, the journey often leads us through a maze of historical narratives and social factions. Palestinian American filmmaker Cherien Dabis, known for her acclaimed film “Amreeka,” recently described her upcoming 2025 project, “All That’s Left of You,” as a "Palestine origin story." This period drama chronicles the experiences of a middle-class family in Jaffa from 1948 to 2022, navigating significant milestones including the Nakba, the aftermath of the Arab-Israeli War of 1967, and the First Intifada. Through the lens of a single family, Dabis captures the generational traumas and small acts of love that define their existence.
In contrast, veteran Palestinian filmmaker Annemarie Jacir, known for her works “Wajib,” “When I Saw You,” and “Ramy,” takes a deeper dive into history with her film “Palestine 36.” This narrative explores the roots of modern Palestine, tracing its origins back to the anti-British Palestinian Revolt of 1936-1939. Unlike Dabis’ focused family narrative, Jacir employs a sprawling ensemble cast to illustrate the intricate social fabric impacted by this revolt, highlighting the fellahin (peasant) resistance against colonial forces. The film intricately weaves together moments of shock and rebellion, enriched by evocative archival imagery.
Jacir’s film features a remarkable cast, including well-known actors like Hiam Abbas (“Succession,” “Gaza mon amour”), Saleh Bakri (“The Blue Caftan”), and Jeremy Irons. The film also introduces talented newcomers such as Karim Daoud Anaya and Yafa Bakri, who both play pivotal roles. The ensemble is so extensive that even seasoned actors like Abbas may go unnoticed, as her character delivers a poignant speech to her granddaughter, Afra (played by Wardi Eilabuni), during a crucial moment. This highlights Jacir’s challenge of maintaining character arcs amidst a sprawling narrative.
One of the key dilemmas Jacir faces is the audience's familiarity with the historical backdrop of the British Mandate. Many viewers may not fully grasp the significance of the Jewish immigration from Europe in the 1930s, the Peel Commission, or the factors leading to the peasant revolt. While Jacir passionately translates her extensive research into a narrative about identity and resilience, the complex history may not always be digestible for modern, non-Arab audiences.
Jacir’s storytelling aims to provide essential sociohistorical context as the world grapples with ongoing conflicts, particularly in Gaza. By illustrating the multifaceted nature of resistance during the 1936-1937 period, Jacir crafts a narrative that resembles a quilt, with each section representing a different aspect of the struggle. The film’s intertitles evoke a sense of urgency, with phrases like “The year you were born” and “Rebellion begins with breath” underscoring the personal stakes involved.
With the help of cinematographer Hélène Louvart, Jacir captures the essence of the time through stunning visuals and archival footage. The film portrays the tension between characters, such as Yusuf (Anaya), who navigates class divides while working for a wealthy couple in Jerusalem. As the narrative unfolds, audiences witness the impact of political turmoil on everyday lives, culminating in a powerful exploration of identity and resistance.
Despite the challenges posed by the recent violence, “Palestine 36” premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and is currently seeking distribution in the U.S. The film’s ambitious scope and multifaceted storytelling invite viewers to engage with a crucial chapter in Palestinian history, emphasizing that understanding the past is essential to comprehending the present.
As audiences reflect on the rich tapestry of narratives woven throughout “Palestine 36,” they are left to ponder the complexities of identity, resistance, and the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice in Palestine.
