The red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival became a platform for a demonstration advocating for an end to the violence, death, and devastation in Gaza. This occurred during the world premiere of a film set in the 1930s, before the establishment of Israel, in British Palestine under British colonial rule.
The movie “Palestine 36” was showcased at TIFF’s Roy Thomson Hall, featuring lead actor Karim Daoud Anaya holding a plastic bag symbolizing violence, with Palestinian flags and messages urging to “Stop the genocide” displayed by other cast members. The premiere coincided with the 700th day after the Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023, leading to the current Israeli military operation in Gaza.
“Palestine 36” narrates the story of Yusuf, portrayed by Anaya, and other Palestinians navigating life during the resistance against British colonialism post-World War I. The film stars a mix of renowned actors like Jeremy Irons, Hiam Abbas, and Liam Cunningham alongside lesser-known talents, filmed entirely in the Middle East.
Director Annemarie Jacir utilized rare 1930s archive footage, colorized to highlight ongoing Palestinian struggles, emphasizing the continuous pursuit of sovereignty despite the 1948 establishment of Israel. The film sheds light on the Nakba, referencing the displacement of Palestinian Arabs from their homes post-1948 and subsequent conflicts reshaping the Palestinian Territories.
Jacir emphasized the importance of archival footage, especially amid the 2023 conflict, which forced production relocation to Jordan, offering a poignant portrayal of vanishing landscapes due to ongoing destruction. The film’s poignant themes align with current global calls for action against the crisis in Gaza.
While governments refrain from terming Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide, humanitarian organizations and scholars have raised concerns. The film “Palestine 36” has been submitted for potential recognition at the Academy Awards, aligning with Jacir’s history of Oscar submissions.
The film will be screened again at TIFF Lightbox, offering audiences a glimpse into Palestinian history and resilience.