TORONTO, Canada: The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has placed a strong spotlight on Palestinian cinema, bringing four films to its prestigious lineup of nearly 300 global titles. The festival, marking its golden jubilee, continues its tradition of amplifying voices that reflect resilience, history, and the shared human condition.
Among the most anticipated premieres is “Palestine 36”, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Annemarie Jacir. Set in 1936 Jerusalem during British colonial rule, the film explores the lives of ordinary Palestinians against a backdrop of political turmoil. With powerful performances from Hiam Abbass, Saleh Bakri, Wardi Eilabouni, and Jeremy Irons, the film has also been selected as Palestine’s official entry for the Academy Awards under the Best International Feature Film category.
Also featured is “With Hasan in Gaza”, an intimate and poetic depiction of Gaza by Palestinian artist Basma al-Sharif, offering audiences a surreal yet deeply personal view of life under constant struggle.
Another highlight, “The Voice of Hind Rajab”, tells the story of Gaza through a gripping narrative that has already moved audiences worldwide. Backed by Hollywood names such as Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix, the film received an extraordinary 23-minute standing ovation at its Venice premiere and is set to screen at TIFF on September 7.
Festival organizers believe these Palestinian stories serve as a powerful reminder of cinema’s ability to break barriers and build empathy. TIFF Director of Programming Robyn Citizen emphasized, “Stories are how we make sense of the world,” underscoring the global importance of such narratives.
By presenting these works, TIFF not only celebrates Palestinian heritage but also reaffirms its role as a platform where art becomes an instrument of truth and solidarity.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.