Resilience Unveiled; Palestinian Voices in Cinema

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(File photo: Jordan News)
As the world bears witness to the ongoing violence and suffering in Occupied Palestine, it's imperative to shed light on Palestinian voices and narratives that have persevered despite the adversities they face. Palestinian and Arab artists have been a testament to resilience, creating art that transcends occupation. Here, we present an extended list of remarkable films that amplify the Palestinian experience.اضافة اعلان

These films provide diverse perspectives and narratives, shedding light on the struggles and experiences of Palestinians living under occupation.


The Dupes (Al Makhdo'un) - 1972Directed by Tewfik Saleh, this film portrays the journey of three generations of Palestinian refugees seeking a better life in Kuwait after the 1948 war. It is based on Ghassan Kanafani's novel 'Men in the Sun'.


Fertile Memory - 1981Directed by Michel Khleifi, this documentary-style film offers an intimate look into the lives of Palestinian women under Israeli occupation, providing a poignant portrayal of their experiences.


Nagi El-Ali - 1991'Nagi El-Ali' is a biographical film about the renowned Palestinian cartoonist, Nagi El-Ali, exploring his life and artistic evolution.

Jenin, Jenin - 2002Directed by Palestinian filmmaker Mohammad Bakri, "Jenin, Jenin" depicts the tragic events of the Jenin massacre in 2002, perpetrated by the Israeli occupation. The film highlights the atrocities committed against Palestinian civilians and exposes the attempts made by the occupation to conceal the truth about the massacre.

Bab El Shams - 2005Directed by Yousry Nasrallah, this film tells the story of a Palestinian family in a Lebanese refugee camp, based on Elias Khoury's novel.


Paradise Now - 2006Directed by Hany Abu-Assad, this psychological drama follows two friends preparing for a suicide mission in an Israeli settlement.

Tell Your Tale, Little Bird - 2007
Directed by Arab Loutfi, this documentary features seven female Palestinian revolutionaries, sharing their stories of resistance.

Salt of this Sea - 2008
A film by Annemarie Jacir, it delves into a Palestinian woman's quest for justice and her family's lost assets.


The Time That Remains - 2009
Directed by Elia Suleiman, this semi-biographical drama explores the history of the apartheid state from 1948 to 2009.

5 Broken Cameras - 2011
A powerful documentary co-directed by Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi, it chronicles the resistance in Bil'in against the West Bank barrier.

Kingdom of Ants - 2012
This film celebrates Palestinian resilience in the face of adversity, depicting a couple's 12-year struggle under Israeli occupation.


A World Not Ours - 2012
Directed by Mahdi Fleifel, this documentary provides a compelling and emotional exploration of a Palestinian family living as permanent refugees. The film follows the director's personal journey, growing up in a refugee camp in southern Lebanon, highlighting the multi-generational experiences of those living in such conditions.
Available on Netflix.


Omar - 2013
Directed by Hany Abu-Assad, it explores the moral dilemmas faced by a Palestinian baker under occupation. "Omar" is a powerful Palestinian drama film that revolves around a young Palestinian man named Omar, who joins the armed resistance against the Israeli occupation. The film provides a personal perspective on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, delving into the challenges and dilemmas faced by individuals involved in the struggle for freedom.

Mars at Sunrise - 2013
This compelling film portrays the struggle of a Palestinian artist who refuses to be silenced, even in the face of torture.
These films stand as a testament to the Palestinian spirit and the need to amplify their voices in the face of ongoing challenges.

InshAllah - 2013
This Canadian film explores the Palestinian issue from the perspectives of both Palestinians and Israelis. Directed by Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette, it tells the story of Chloe, a young Canadian doctor working with the Red Crescent in a West Bank refugee camp. Chloe's experiences lead to a different understanding of the Palestinian issue and the severity of the aggression by Israeli forces against civilians.

Mars at Sunrise - 2013
This compelling film, directed by Jessica Habie, explores the clash between a Palestinian artist and a Jewish-American poet. It highlights the challenges they face in a highly stylized narrative set against the backdrop of Israel's militarized borders.
Available on Netflix.

When I Saw You - 2013
Directed by Annemarie Jacir, this film is set after the 1967 war and delves into the experiences of Palestinian refugees in Jordan. The story revolves around an 11-year-old boy, Tarek, and his mother, as they navigate life in a refugee camp and Tarek's discovery of a guerrilla training camp.
Available on Netflix.

Born in Gaza - 2014
This Spanish film offers an intimate exploration of the impact of violence on the lives of ten Palestinian children. It goes beyond news coverage to provide a deeply empathetic perspective on the consequences of apartheid.
Available on Netflix.

It Must Be Heaven - 2019Directed by Elia Suleiman, this film follows the director's journey beyond Palestine to Paris and New York as he seeks funding for a film that is considered "not Palestinian enough." It bears witness to the absurdities of the world around him.
Available on Netflix.

200 Meters - 2020Set in Tulkarm, this film explores a family tragically separated by the Israeli wall. It delves into themes of resilience, determination, and the unwavering bonds of familial love.

Premiered at the Venice International Film Festival and received the BNL People's Choice Audience Award.
Available on Netflix.

The Present - 2020Directed by Farah Nabulsi, this short film set in the Israeli-occupied West Bank follows a father and daughter on a quest to find a meaningful wedding anniversary gift. It's a powerful story of resilience and determination.
Nominated for an Academy Award and won the BAFTA Award for Best Short Film.

Ghost Hunting - 2017Directed by Raed Andoni, " Ghost Hunting" is a documentary that sheds light on the torture of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. The film exposes the human rights violations endured by Palestinians under Israeli occupation.

Hanna K - 1983Directed by Costa-Gavras, "Hanna K" is a feature film that tells the story of a Jewish lawyer defending a Palestinian in an Israeli court. This film offers an insightful view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a different perspective, highlighting the challenges faced by those involved.

Lemon Tree - 2008Directed by Eran Riklis, "Lemon Tree" narrates the story of Salma Zidane, a Palestinian widow in the West Bank. When asked by the Israeli Prime Minister's security guards to cut down her lemon trees, Salma refuses to obey the occupation's orders. She takes her case to the Supreme Court, turning it into a global public opinion issue against the Israeli occupation.

The Gift - 2020
"The Gift" narrates the story of Yusuf, a Palestinian from the West Bank, who endeavors to buy a gift for his wife on their wedding anniversary. This film powerfully portrays the challenges faced by Palestinians living under occupation, offering a personal and relatable perspective.

Gaza MonAmour - 2020
Directed by Tarzan and Arab Nasser, "Gaza MonAmour" revolves around the love affair between Issa, a 60-year-old fisherman, and Saham, a 40-year-old widow. Set in the besieged city of Gaza, the film sheds light on the numerous challenges faced by the characters, including the Israeli blockade and ongoing conflicts. It portrays the difficult living conditions in Gaza, both material and psychological.

Wajib - 2017Directed by Annemarie Jacir, "Wajib" provides a glimpse into life under Israeli occupation in Palestine. The film focuses on the city of Nazareth and the changes it has undergone over generations. It highlights the impact of military checkpoints and the constant presence of Israeli soldiers, shedding light on the psychological effects of living under occupation. The film also explores social changes, emigration, high unemployment rates, and their consequences on Palestinian society.

Wanted 18 - 2014This documentary delves into the First Palestinian Intifada (1987-1991) and examines the popular resistance and civil disobedience against the Israeli occupation during that period. The film presents the Palestinian narrative of those events in a unique and engaging manner, using cows as a metaphor for resistance. It tells the story of the residents of Beit Sahour establishing a cow farm during the First Intifada, aiming for economic independence and boycotting Israeli goods. The film illustrates that Palestinians were able to achieve tangible gains through popular resistance, even if they were temporary.

These films provide a diverse These films offer diverse perspectives on the Palestinian experience, from the struggles of refugees to the impact of occupation and the resilience of the people involved.


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