Palestine 36

Palestine 36 is a 120‑minute historical drama that takes you back to 1936, when villages across Palestine rose against British colonial rule. Written and directed by Annemarie Jacir, the film follows Yusuf, a young man caught between his rural home and the restless energy of Jerusalem, as he longs for a future beyond the growing unrest. The story weaves together the surge of Jewish immigrants fleeing antisemitism in Europe, the ambitions of Zionist‑colonial forces, and the Palestinian population’s largest and longest uprising against Britain’s 30‑year dominion. All of this spirals toward an inevitable collision that could decide the fate of the British Empire and the entire region.

The cast is a powerhouse of talent: Hiam Abbass, Kamel El Basha, Yasmine Al Massri, Jalal Altawil, Robert Aramayo, Saleh Bakri, Yafa Bakri, Karim Daoud Anaya, Wardi Eilabouni, Ward Helou, Billy Howle, Dhafer L'Abidine, Liam Cunningham and Jeremy Irons. The ensemble delivers a sweeping yet intimate epic that feels both humanist and clear‑eyed. Critics praised the performances as uniformly excellent, with Variety calling the film “prescient” and the Financial Times calling it a “rousing historical epic.” On Rotten Tomatoes, 98 % of 51 critics gave it a positive review, and the Guardian awarded it three stars, noting its emotionally stirring drama and heartfelt pacing.

Palestine 36 premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival in the Gala Presentations section, earning a 20‑minute standing ovation. It was selected as the Palestinian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards and made the December shortlist. The film also won Best Film at the Tokyo International Film Festival in November 2025, and it was screened at the BFI London Film Festival. Curzon Film released it in the United Kingdom on 31 October 2025, while MAD Distribution handled the Middle East. In France, Haut et Court released it on 14 January 2026, and Watermelon Pictures acquired U.S. distribution rights.

The film has sparked controversy: it was banned in Jerusalem, with Israeli authorities detaining a projectionist during a screening. Some critics have pointed out alleged historical inaccuracies, arguing that the film frames the revolt as a morality play of colonial cruelty and Arab resistance, while downplaying Jewish communities’ experiences. Others defend it as a timely antidote to Hollywood’s Zionist‑centric narratives, offering more nuance than earlier epics like Exodus.

If you enjoy politically charged historical dramas with a strong ensemble cast and a focus on the Palestinian perspective, Palestine 36 will likely resonate with you. Those who prefer fast‑paced, Hollywood‑style storytelling or who are sensitive to contested historical portrayals might find it a bit heavy or contentious. Either way, the film invites you to reflect on a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern history without giving away the dramatic twists.