Introduction to Annemarie Jacir’s Film
Annemarie Jacir is ready to premiere the official submission of Palestine for the best international feature at this year’s Oscars, but she has the feeling that she has already won. The Palestinian filmmaker’s film, "Palestine 36", has been a decade-long project and has received congratulations from everyone, making her feel like she has already won the Oscar.
The Making of "Palestine 36"
The film features a mix of experienced and aspiring actors, including Jeremy Irons, Hiam Abbass, and Kamel Al Basha, among others. The story is set in 1936 during the British mandate for Palestine and tells the story of individual actions against the striking backdrop of that time. Rare archive material was used to breathe life into the film, setting the stage and delivering a counterpoint for the dramatic action in Jerusalem.
Historical Context and Significance
The film is set in a time of history that belongs to both Palestinians and the British, who were attracted to the project as financiers, including the BBC and the British Film Institute (BFI). Jacir notes that British colonization was all over the world and that people are now realizing that they can talk about their past without trying to hide it. "Palestine 36" is her fourth feature film and her fourth to present the Palestine’s official submission for the best international feature at the Oscars.
The Importance of the Film
The film’s premiere comes at a time of war, which has led to the loss of over 60,000 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas Ministry of Health. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has warned of a humanitarian crisis in the region, which has been under Israeli air strikes for over five months. Jacir notes that the film has a different feeling now, given the current situation, and that it feels even more critical and important that their voices are out there.
Overcoming Challenges
Filming for the project started only a week after October 7th in Palestine and was forced to move to Jordan due to the war. Jacir became even more determined to complete the film, despite the challenges, and finally shot the last part of the film in Palestine in November 2024. She notes that it was a real victory for them to have done it and that she really fought for it, as the financiers had said it was very important to film in Palestine.
Premiere and Reception
Jacir made history with the first Arab film to have its premiere in the Gala Section in TIFF. She joined her cast and crew on the carpet in the Roy Thomson Hall, noting that it’s a big statement. She knows exactly what she is presenting to the masses in Toronto and is proud of the film, which she describes as a public film that is not easy but is for the audience and the festivals in general. Jacir paused, her words filled with pride, but also born from a heavy heart, as she expressed her nervousness and excitement about the film’s premiere.
