BossBattleBob
Well-known member
Palestinian filmmaker Annemarie Jacir is a master of telling the untold story of her people. Her latest film, Palestine 36, takes viewers on a journey through the pivotal year of 1936, when a mass Palestinian revolt against British rule and Zionism ignited a fire that still burns today.
For Jacir, this time period is not just a historical footnote but a living, breathing reality that continues to shape the lives of Palestinians. "We don't want a state, we just want to live," she says, echoing the sentiments of her father, who survived the Nakba, or the Great Expulsion, in 1948.
The film's central theme is one of resistance against imperialism and oppression. Jacir draws inspiration from the Palestinian culture of tatreez, intricate hand-stitched embroidery that holds deep significance for her people. Through a rich tapestry of characters, Jacir weaves together their stories of struggle and resilience, each one intertwined like the threads of a tatreez.
From the farm village of Al Basma to the bustling streets of Jerusalem, Palestine 36 brings to life the brutal suppression of Palestinian dissent by British forces. The film's use of colourised archival footage adds a layer of poignancy, as certain locations become inaccessible due to the worsening conflict.
Jacir's decision to shoot on location in Palestine was not taken lightly, given the risks involved. "It's so critical that Jerusalem is Jerusalem in the film," she explains. The production faced four delays and massive financial losses, but Jacir remained resolute, insisting that filming in Palestine was essential to telling her people's story truthfully.
The film's emotional core revolves around everyday Palestinians who find themselves at a turning point in their lives. Karim Daoud Anaya shines as the animated lead Afra, while Hiam Abbass and Liam Cunningham bring depth to their respective roles. Jacir's refusal to shy away from the harsh realities of the conflict is a testament to her commitment to storytelling that feels alive.
As news of a fragile ceasefire breaks during the film's climax, Jacir's message of endurance takes on an urgent tone. With Palestine 36, she reminds us that resistance is not just about armed struggle but also about holding onto hope and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. The film's final shot of Afra running through Jerusalem, toward a uncertain future, feels both hopeful and heart-wrenching.
Palestine 36 will hit UK and Irish cinemas on October 31st. Jacir's latest work is a testament to her unwavering dedication to telling the Palestinian story – one that refuses to be reduced to abstract concepts or lightness in the face of darkness. It is a call to continue, to hold onto hope, and to never lose sight of what matters most: the fundamental right to live.
For Jacir, this time period is not just a historical footnote but a living, breathing reality that continues to shape the lives of Palestinians. "We don't want a state, we just want to live," she says, echoing the sentiments of her father, who survived the Nakba, or the Great Expulsion, in 1948.
The film's central theme is one of resistance against imperialism and oppression. Jacir draws inspiration from the Palestinian culture of tatreez, intricate hand-stitched embroidery that holds deep significance for her people. Through a rich tapestry of characters, Jacir weaves together their stories of struggle and resilience, each one intertwined like the threads of a tatreez.
From the farm village of Al Basma to the bustling streets of Jerusalem, Palestine 36 brings to life the brutal suppression of Palestinian dissent by British forces. The film's use of colourised archival footage adds a layer of poignancy, as certain locations become inaccessible due to the worsening conflict.
Jacir's decision to shoot on location in Palestine was not taken lightly, given the risks involved. "It's so critical that Jerusalem is Jerusalem in the film," she explains. The production faced four delays and massive financial losses, but Jacir remained resolute, insisting that filming in Palestine was essential to telling her people's story truthfully.
The film's emotional core revolves around everyday Palestinians who find themselves at a turning point in their lives. Karim Daoud Anaya shines as the animated lead Afra, while Hiam Abbass and Liam Cunningham bring depth to their respective roles. Jacir's refusal to shy away from the harsh realities of the conflict is a testament to her commitment to storytelling that feels alive.
As news of a fragile ceasefire breaks during the film's climax, Jacir's message of endurance takes on an urgent tone. With Palestine 36, she reminds us that resistance is not just about armed struggle but also about holding onto hope and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. The film's final shot of Afra running through Jerusalem, toward a uncertain future, feels both hopeful and heart-wrenching.
Palestine 36 will hit UK and Irish cinemas on October 31st. Jacir's latest work is a testament to her unwavering dedication to telling the Palestinian story – one that refuses to be reduced to abstract concepts or lightness in the face of darkness. It is a call to continue, to hold onto hope, and to never lose sight of what matters most: the fundamental right to live.
I gotta say, some people might think she's being super insensitive by focusing on the struggles of Palestinians who aren't even fighting for independence or statehood. Like, shouldn't they just be grateful to live? 
But honestly, that's not really what it's about. Annemarie Jacir is trying to humanize a situation where people are losing their homes, livelihoods, and sense of identity due to external forces beyond their control. It's not about them being "ungrateful" for life; it's about them fighting to survive in the face of systemic oppression.
. The way she weaves together these powerful stories of resistance and resilience is just incredible 
. I mean, can you imagine having to film on location in Palestine with all the risks involved? 
No wonder it took four delays and massive financial losses 
... but Jacir wouldn't compromise on telling her people's story truthfully 
.
... I feel like I've seen some of those intricate patterns before, and now I know where they come from 
. The way the film brings to life this pivotal year in Palestinian history 1936 
... it's just heartbreaking 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to hold onto hope and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity? 
... I think it's going to be a game-changer for storytelling about this sensitive topic 
. Jacir is truly an inspiration, and I love how she refuses to shy away from the harsh realities of the conflict 
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... it's like, so powerful how Annemarie Jacir is keeping her people's story alive. I mean, 1936 was a super dark time for Palestinians, but she's showing us that even in the midst of all that struggle and oppression, there's still hope 
. The way she weaves together these intricate stories of resistance and resilience is just incredible... it's like tatreez come to life 
. And the fact that she filmed on location in Palestine? That takes major courage 
. But ultimately, the film is a call to keep holding onto hope and never give up on what matters most: living life with dignity and freedom 
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. and i love how jacir is committed to telling the story in a way that feels authentic, even if it means facing risks and challenges 
. her message about hope and resilience in the face of adversity is so powerful 
. Jacir's passion is palpable, though. Hope it gets the recognition it deserves 
it's like she managed to weave a tapestry that not only tells the story of her people but also holds us in the present 
The way she incorporates tatreez and Palestinian culture is just genius 
and I love how she refuses to shy away from the harsh realities of the conflict 
it's both hopeful and heart-wrenching at the same time 
and I think that's what Jacir's story-telling magic is all about 
I bet it wasn't easy, but she had to do it because it's so critical that her people's story be told truthfully 
And I love how she refuses to reduce their struggle to abstract concepts or lightness in the face of darkness – she tells it like it is, with all its complexity and messiness 
i feel like im right there with him on his journey through the streets of jerusalem its like annemarie jacir took us on a wild ride and im not even mad about it 
And how does tatreez fit into all this? Is it like a way to show resistance through art or something?
. And the fact that Jacir refused to shy away from the harsh realities of the conflict, even when it meant facing risks and financial losses, is super inspiring 
Do you guys think we can make a difference by just holding onto hope and resilience?
her dedication 2 tellin the real story of palestinians is literally amazing. its so crucial 4 us 2 listen & learn from their struggles & triumphs. i love how she wove in tatreez & all that into the film 
. cant say i no much about british history, but jacir's take on it sounds super powerful. also cant help but feel so invested in afra's story 
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. I think it's way more nuanced than that. Are we talking about Palestinian Arabs, or are we including Israeli Arabs and other groups as well? It feels like the whole "state" thing is just a convenient excuse for people to dismiss the legitimacy of any Israeli narrative 
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I love how she weaves all the stories together like a intricate embroidery piece. And can we talk about Karim Daoud Anaya's performance as Afra? 
I'm still trying to process how powerful and emotional it was. The way she weaves together these characters' stories, it's like a tapestry 
Jacir's film is more than just a story, it's a testament to Palestinian existence 
. I'm so hyped for Palestine 36 to hit UK and Irish cinemas on October 31st 
what i'm most feeling is the way she balances hope and despair, it's like the whole film is a prayer, but not in a cheesy way. like a quiet one. anyway can't wait for uk cinema release 31st oct 
. I need to see this film ASAP and feel all the emotions. It's not just about Palestine 36, it's about resistance, hope, and resilience - we can learn a thing or two from the Palestinians right now 
. I mean, we're still livin' through the effects of 1948, and it's about time someone tells the real story. The British and Israeli gov'ts have been playin' a major role in suppressin' Palestinian voices for decades, but this film is like a loud alarm clock wakin' people up to what's really goin' on 
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