TORONTO – The world premiere of the historical drama “Palestine 36” at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) was marred by the ongoing violence and devastation in Gaza. Palestinian-born director Annemarie Jacir and several cast members attended the event wearing watermelon pins, a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Some participants donned traditional keffiyehs and held Palestinian flags, highlighting their support for their homeland amidst tragedy.
Sharing their sentiments from the red carpet, Jacir expressed her disbelief at screening the film during what she described as the genocide of their people. “I never imagined that I would be here to screen this film… during a genocide, the genocide of our people," Jacir stated, emphasizing the importance of sharing their story at this critical juncture.
Set in 1936 Palestine, the film delves into the lives of various characters navigating their experiences during the British mandate. Jacir revealed that creating the movie took eight years, during which they faced numerous logistical challenges. The film also incorporates archival footage from the era, encapsulating a diverse range of people in Jerusalem following the end of the Ottoman Empire while highlighting the migration of European Jews fleeing the rise of the Nazi Party and the British efforts to colonize the region.
The cast features Hollywood veterans like Jeremy Irons alongside a variety of newcomers. Saleh Bakri, who previously appeared in Jacir’s films “Salt of This Sea” and “Wajib,” portrays a port worker drawn into a rebel movement while struggling to support his family. Irons plays Wauchope, the British High Commissioner, adding to the film's historical depth.
Moreover, “Palestine 36” has been selected to represent Palestine for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards. For Jacir, showcasing the film at TIFF amid the rising death toll in Gaza has become an opportunity for reflection, leading her to assert, “our homeland is being annihilated.” She lamented the ugliness of the current events, noting the imperative for artists to continue telling their stories with love and integrity.
Cast member Zaid Ghazal, who displayed “stop the genocide” written across his palms, shared his mixed feelings about the premiere. While he recognized the film's significance, he expressed deep sorrow over the ongoing war, stating, “We see our civilians and our kids and our friends and families getting killed by the occupation.” He highlighted the film’s importance as it provides a glimpse into Palestine’s past and how the British mandate shaped its current circumstances.
Addressing the political situation, Jacir urged governments to speak out about the ongoing devastation in Gaza. “We know that people are with us,” she said, emphasizing the need for action against the violence, adding that a failure to address these issues signifies governmental negligence. The world premiere of “Palestine 36” is not just a cinematic event; it serves as a clarion call for accountability and awareness regarding historical and ongoing injustices.
British actor Billy Howle reflected on the profound emotional impact of the premiere, observing its potential to provoke critical discussions about Britain’s historical responsibility in Palestine. He expressed pride in being part of a project that he believes marks a historic moment for the people of Palestine and Palestinian cinema.
The Toronto International Film Festival, which runs through September 14, continues to serve as a platform for meaningful conversations surrounding political and social themes, as evidenced by the poignant expressions surrounding “Palestine 36.”
