Highlighting Palestinian Stories at Cannes Docs: A Call for Visibility Amid Crisis

At the Cannes Docs showcase on Monday, the Palestine Film Institute (PFI) made a heartfelt appeal to festival organizers and key industry decision-makers to amplify the voices of Palestinian filmmakers during this critical time. As the war in Gaza intensifies and a humanitarian crisis escalates, the urgency for authentic Palestinian narratives has never been greater.

“Cannes Docs provides a vital platform for Palestinian stories to present our true complex realities beyond headlines and transcend imposed boundaries,” stated Mohamed Jabaly, an award-winning filmmaker and head of the PFI’s Palestine Documentary Hub. He emphasized the significance of documentaries in countering misrepresentations and reclaiming Palestinian narratives, especially during times of crisis.

A Platform for Palestinian Film

During the Marché du Film’s Lerins 4 venue, Jabaly, along with producer Mohanad Yaqubi, underscored the importance of platforms like Cannes in fostering creativity and ensuring Palestinian artists are part of significant cinematic conversations. “The return of the Palestine Pavilion to Cannes, the first since 2018, symbolizes the strength of artistic persistence amid an ongoing genocide,” Yaqubi remarked.

Pierre-Alexis Chevit, head of Cannes Docs, expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with PFI. “We’ve had Palestinian showcases of documentaries-in-progress since 2018, which are more important now than ever,” he noted. The festival aims to uplift stories from Palestine and the diaspora, asserting that preserving these narratives is crucial in the face of adversity.

Showcasing New Talent

The Cannes Docs event featured four documentaries from emerging filmmakers, including “Wolf Game” by Patricia El, “My Rebel Heart” by Ida Kat Balslev, “Sama” by Rabab Khamis, and “Asphalt” by Hamza Hamideh. These films were selected by an independent jury, consisting of industry experts from esteemed film festivals.

Elhum Shakerifar, a London-based producer and curator, praised the projects showcased, stating they explore diverse aspects of the Palestinian experience and possess the potential to resonate widely with audiences. Shakerifar highlighted other successful projects promoted by the PFI, including the acclaimed documentary “A State of Passion” and the innovative “The Palestine Comedy Club.”

In-Depth Film Insights

The featured documentaries delve into the nuanced realities of Palestinian life:

Asphalt (Hamza Hamideh, Jordan)

Set in the Baqa’a refugee camp, “Asphalt” tells the story of a young Palestinian refugee whose wedding plans are shattered by the loss of relatives in Gaza. “I chose to shoot my movie in the Baqa’a camp because people often perceive it as a desolate place, but it’s home for many,” Hamideh explained. The film is in post-production and aims for a 2026 release.

My Rebel Heart (Ida Kat Balslev, Denmark, Palestine)

This upcoming film follows Yara, a young actress and activist in Gaza, as she struggles to define her identity amid the chaos of her surroundings. Producer Sidsel Lønvig Siersted, known for her acclaimed projects, stated the film is set for delivery in 2026.

Sama (Rabab Khamis, Palestine, France)

Produced by Rashid Masharawi, “Sama” presents a moving portrait of a 10-year-old girl navigating daily hardships. The film will primarily be dialogue-free, which Khamis believes respects the child’s choice for silence. Its premiere is set for September 2025.

Wolf Game (Patricia El, Palestine, U.S., Spain)

In “Wolf Game,” El interlaces the stories of a Palestinian shepherd boy, a settlers’ world, and a gamer from Los Angeles, illustrating the economic forces behind land appropriation in Palestine. The film is expected to be released in June 2026.

The Need for Continued Support

As the spotlight shines on these powerful narratives, the call for support and visibility for Palestinian artists remains pressing. The collaboration between the PFI and Cannes is a testament to the strength of storytelling that transcends boundaries, allowing rich, diverse tales to emerge from a region often overshadowed by conflict.

Amid rising tensions and a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, it becomes imperative for festivals like Cannes to continue providing space for Palestinian voices. These stories are not merely entertainment; they are vital contributions to global discourse and understanding.

For further insights on the evolution of Palestinian cinema and the stories behind these impactful documentaries, explore more about Palestinian filmmakers and the intricate narratives they present. Through these collaborations and showcases, the world can begin to appreciate and understand the resilience and complexity of Palestinian life.