Palestine 36: A Story of the 1936 Palestinian Revolution and the Voice of Palestinian Resistance, Heads to the 2026 Oscars

Table of Contents

Amid the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, various parties continue to voice support, including artists in the film industry. This is precisely what director Annemarie Jacir did, directing the historical drama "Palestine 36," which tells the story of the Palestinian people's resistance against British domination in the past.

"Palestine 36" begins with the story of a young man caught in political turmoil as tensions rise in his village and Jerusalem, amidst a British crackdown. This is triggered by the arrival of Jewish immigrants fleeing anti-Semitism in Europe.

This historical drama is more than just a film; it is a breath of life. "Palestine 36" was selected as Palestine's official entry at the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. The prestigious awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026, in Los Angeles.

The film will have its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025. Palestine 36, the latest work by director Annemarie Jacir, is now officially opening in US theaters starting February 13, 2026. The film is not only a strong contender for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars, but also a "visual interrogation" of the history of British colonialism in Palestine before 1948—a period often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

According to Wikipedia (2025), the film depicts a pivotal moment in Palestinian history, when the 1936 revolution became one of the greatest uprisings against British colonialism. This event not only impacted local politics but also shaped the future direction of Palestine in the face of the ongoing conflict.

As reported by Palestine36film.com (2025), the film presents a poetic narrative that blends humanity with the dark history of colonialism. Beautiful cinematic visuals reinforce the message that the Palestinian struggle is part of global history that should not be forgotten. Every scene is designed to convey emotional nuance, allowing the audience to feel both the suffering and the resilience of the Palestinian people.

Beyond the historical aspect, this film also emphasizes universal humanitarian values. Yusuf is not just a fictional character, but a representation of millions of Palestinians struggling to maintain their dignity amidst oppression. The film's message is relevant today, given that the Palestinian conflict remains a global issue that touches the hearts of many.

Palestine 36 presents a meaningful historical story, highlighting the struggle of the Palestinian people with a touching cinematic approach. This film is not only a historical documentation, but also a humanitarian reflection that inspires audiences to understand the struggle of a nation.

Palestine 36 is an international production in collaboration with Palestine, Qatar, the United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. The film features a stellar cast, including Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons, Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass, and Palestinian actors Kamel El Basha, Saleh Bakri, Yasmine Al Massri, Jalal Altawil, and Dhafer L'Abidine.