Annemarie Jacir's epic historical drama about a forgotten uprising that shook the British Empire.
A real chance of securing a nomination.
Made in Palestine in historic circumstances by local filmmakers.
Explains how we got to where we are today, framing our fight fundamentally as an anti-colonial struggle.
A Story of Resistance
“Every beautiful poem is an act of resistance.”
- Mahmoud Darwish
about the film
In 1936, the people of Palestine ignited a revolt that would become the longest anti-colonial uprising in British Empire history. In Palestine 36, acclaimed Palestinian filmmaker Annemarie Jacir resurrects this buried chapter through the interwoven lives of villagers caught between empire, rebellion, and the dream of freedom.
Told through an ensemble of richly drawn characters, Palestine 36 paints an intimate, emotionally charged portrait of a society on the edge. From the streets of Jerusalem to the fields of Al Basma, resistance smolders in quiet glances, broken radios, and the rhythmic rituals of everyday life. Shot across Palestine and Jordan under extraordinary political pressure, this is a film forged in the fires of both historical and present-day struggle.
Distributed by Watermelon Pictures
Watermelon Pictures is proud to distribute Palestine 36. As a Palestinian family-owned independent company committed to politically urgent cinema, Watermelon champions films that challenge dominant narratives and uphold the dignity of marginalized communities.
Our decision to back an awards campaign for Palestine 36 is not just about bringing the film to audiences—it’s about making space for Palestinian stories on Palestinian terms. This partnership ensures that the film will be shown with care, context, and the community it deserves, while also reaching far beyond our base and into new audiences.
Cast & Collaborators
featuring
a historic and star-studded cast of Jeremy Irons, Liam Cunningham, Robert Aramayo, Billy Howle, Saleh Bakri, Hiam Abbass, Kamel El Basha, Yasmine Al Massri,Dhafer L'Abidine and rising stars from the Palestinian diaspora, the film is lensed by Hélène Louvart and scored by Ben Frost. Edited by Tania Reddin, with costumes by Hamada Atallah, Palestine 36 is a collaboration across generations and geographies.
Jeremy Irons
Liam Cunningham
Saleh Bakri
Hiam Abbass
Robert Aramayo
Yasmine Al Massri
director’s vision
“Set in a time I never lived, Palestine 36 is deeply personal. It’s about ordinary people in extraordinary times. A country erupts into rebellion—and everything, for a moment, feels possible.”
