Hiam Abbass on Political Cinema and Finding Love Later in Life at the 2026 Berlinale

Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass is a central figure at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, showcasing her work in two films – In a Whisper and Only Rebels Win – and participating in an “In Conversation” event. Abbass, who has collaborated with renowned directors like Steven Spielberg, Ridley Scott, and Denis Villeneuve, and received an Emmy nomination for her role in HBO’s Succession, remains committed to European and Middle Eastern cinema.

Only Rebels Win: A Story of Love and Resistance

Only Rebels Win, directed by Danielle Arbid, reunites Abbass with the filmmaker after their initial collaboration on the 1998 short film Raddem. The film, set in Beirut, follows Suzanne (Abbass), a sixty-something widow who finds an unexpected connection with Osmane (Amine Benrachid), a young, undocumented Sudanese man. After aiding him during a racist attack, she invites him to live with her, and a romance blossoms despite their significant age difference.

Addressing the societal stigmas surrounding older women dating younger men, Abbass referenced French President Emmanuel Macron’s relationship with his wife as an example, stating, “It’s not something that corresponds necessarily to a certain culture… once you became a mother and you had your children, you don’t have the right to life.” She emphasized that Arbid’s film challenges this notion, giving her character a renewed sense of purpose.

Filming in Beirut as an Act of Resistance

Despite ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon, Arbid insisted on filming Only Rebels Win in Beirut. Abbass described the experience as an act of resistance, stating, “Israel attacks Lebanon… everything became almost an act of resistance, in a way. Our love to each other was fed with wanting to exist, as the movie had to exist.” The Lebanese crew filmed on the streets of Beirut, with the footage then projected behind the actors working in a studio in Paris.

The Political Dimension of Filmmaking

Abbass, born in Nazareth to Palestinian citizens of Israel and residing in Paris since the late 1980s, views filmmaking as inherently political. She stated, “For me, it is… today, I say it easily, much more than before. Before I thought, ‘Oh, the artistic… whatever.’ Today, there is no more lie. There is no more pretending.” She feels a responsibility to speak for those without a voice, not only in Palestine but also globally.

In a Whisper: Exploring Family Secrets

Abbass also stars in Leyla Bouzid’s In a Whisper, a film that delves into the complexities of family secrets. She plays the mother of a young woman who returns to Tunis after her uncle’s death, uncovering hidden truths that reflect her own identity. Abbass recounted that Bouzid initially hesitated to approach her due to concerns about her accent, but ultimately recognized its suitability for the character.

Abbass expressed her gratitude for the opportunities she’s been given, acknowledging her luck in finding success in Hollywood and emphasizing her continued passion for her craft. “It just feels part of a journey that I pursue in my life, and I’m so happy.”

The 76th Berlin International Film Festival

The 76th Berlin International Film Festival is taking place from February 12 to 22, 2026, and features nearly forty French films across all sections according to Unifrance. Eight majority- and minority-French feature films are competing, including works by Alain Gomis, Leyla Bouzid, and Mahamat-Saleh Haroun. Reuters reports that the festival is prioritizing new talent and politically charged films.