Annemarie Jacir’s Oscar hopeful “Palestine 36” has launched its first trailer, providing a strong glimpse into what the acclaimed Palestinian filmmaker calls “the mission of my life.”
The historic drama, which is Palestine’s official submission for the 2026 Academy Awards within the worldwide function class, is about in the course of the Arab Revolt of 1936 — a interval Jacir describes as “a serious turning level in our historical past.”
The Arab Revolt was a “large-scale rebellion in opposition to British colonial rule,” Jacir tells Selection. “That second set the stage for every thing that was to return, and it’s a legacy we nonetheless reside right this moment.”
The movie, which Jacir has spent eight years creating, facilities on a bunch of Palestinian villagers whose lives are upended by British occupation, tracing the beginning of a nationwide motion that reverberates by way of generations. With a visible palette each intimate and sweeping, the trailer hints at a narrative grounded in resistance, reminiscence and collective identification.
“‘Palestine 36’ tells a narrative very important to our historical past, but one which has by no means been instructed on movie,” Jacir says. “And whereas I made this movie for Palestinians, I hope it additionally speaks to colonized individuals in all places who proceed to really feel the echoes of that previous.”
Jacir, who beforehand represented Palestine with “Wajib” (2017), “After I Noticed You” (2012) and “Salt of the Sea” (2008), has lengthy been thought to be one of the influential voices in Arab cinema. With this fourth Oscar submission, she continues her mission of reframing Palestinian narratives by way of authenticity and artistry.
“I hope audiences shall be open to receiving a narrative from the opposite facet — from those that had been colonized,” Jacir shares. “Historical past just isn’t solely written by the winners. By way of this movie, I wished to middle Palestinian voices and produce them to the display with honesty and power.”
The critically acclaimed drama stars Hiam Abbass, Kamel El Basha, Yasmine Al Massri, Jalal Altawil, Robert Aramayo, Saleh Bakri, Liam Cunningham and Jeremy Irons.
Murtada Elfadl wrote in his Selection evaluate, “Jacir’s movie reminds that historical past just isn’t summary, however lived by way of households and small moments of solidarity and battle. By uniting epic scope with intimate element, it delivers a portrait of a individuals fractured but unbroken.”
The movie had its world premiere within the Gala Displays part of the Toronto Worldwide Movie Pageant again in September. Following its Oscar-qualifying run final month by Watermelon Footage, “Palestine 36” could have its L.A. premiere on the AFI Movie Pageant on Oct. 25. The U.S. launch is about for early 2026.
Watch the complete trailer beneath.
