“Palestine 36: the country’s epic Oscar submission offers a sweeping view of a tumultuous time. Annemarie Jacir balances raw emotion and intimate detail in an ensemble historical drama set during the British Mandate for Palestine, starring Jeremy Irons and Hiam Abbas alongside lesser-known faces.” – Variety
1936. As villages across Mandatory Palestine rise against British colonial rule, Yusuf drifts between his rural home and the restless energy of Jerusalem, longing for a future beyond the growing unrest. But history is relentless. With rising numbers of Jewish immigrants escaping antisemitism in Europe, and the Palestinian population uniting in the largest and longest uprising againstBritain’s30-year dominion, all sides spiral towards inevitable collision in a decisive moment for the British Empire and the future of the entire region.
Set against the backdrop of the farmer-led revolt against British colonialism in 1936 that marked the beginning of the largest and longest uprising against Britain’s 30-year rule. Palestinians from all classes were mobilized, and nationalistic sentiment spread in the Arabic press, schools, social and literary circles. The British, taken aback by the extent and intensity of the revolt, retaliated by placing Palestine under martial law, deploying over twenty thousand troops to Palestine, and still failed to control a population of less than one million people. Ships arrived loaded with tanks and machine guns. The Royal Air Force began strafing the countryside. Thousands of Palestinians were imprisoned, beaten, and the leadership exiled. The revolt lasted for three years and was arguably the largest and longest anti-colonial uprising in the British Empire.
Starring:
Hiam Abbas, Kamel El Basha, Yasmine Al Massri, Jeremy Irons
Directed By:
Annemarie Jacir
Running time:
120 mins