Palestine 36: A Cinematic Reckoning with History

Annemarie Jacir’s 2025 film, Palestine 36, offers a powerful and intimate portrayal of the 1936–1939 Arab Revolt in Palestine, a period of intense resistance against British occupation and the burgeoning Zionist settler-colonial project. Unlike artistic interpretations that employ abstraction, Jacir’s film grounds itself in historical detail, presenting a sweeping epic that explores the complexities of Palestinian society and the brutal realities of colonial repression.

The Historical Context: An “Iron Cage”

The film depicts a pivotal moment in Palestinian history, a revolt sparked by decades of dispossession and fueled by the British government’s increasingly overt support for Zionist ambitions. Historian Rashid Khalidi describes this period as an “iron cage” for Palestinians, highlighting the systemic disadvantages imposed upon them by the British Mandate government. The Iron Cage The British, through policies like awarding 90% of government concessions to Zionists, actively facilitated the displacement and marginalization of the Palestinian Arab population.

The revolt itself was a multifaceted struggle, encompassing strikes, boycotts, protests, and armed resistance. As Palestinian Marxist thinker Ghassan Kanafani noted, the Palestinians faced a formidable “enemy triumvirate”: reactionary Palestinian leaders, surrounding Arab regimes, and the alliance between Zionism and imperialism. The Revolution of 1936-1939 in Palestine

A Focus on the Concrete Conditions

Palestine 36 distinguishes itself by centering the experiences of ordinary Palestinians – the peasant farmers who constituted the majority of the population, and the workers exploited by both Arab landlords and colonial authorities. The film highlights the economic hardships endured by Palestinians, exacerbated by discriminatory policies enshrined in the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which prioritized the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” while disregarding the rights of the existing Arab population. Balfour Declaration

By 1930, an estimated 64% of peasant families in Haifa were burdened with debt, facing arrest and confiscation of property. “From Poverty to Revolt” This economic desperation fueled the rebellion, as depicted in the film through scenes of workers denied fair wages and farmers struggling to maintain their livelihoods.

Individual Stories Within a Collective Struggle

The film follows the journeys of several characters, including Yusuf, a young man drawn into the struggle after witnessing the injustices inflicted upon his family and community. His transformation from a naive chauffeur to a committed rebel mirrors the broader political awakening of many Palestinians during this period. Similarly, the story of Khalid, a dockworker motivated to join the fight by economic hardship and political consciousness, illustrates the diverse pathways to resistance.

British Repression and the Complicated Landscape

Palestine 36 does not shy away from depicting the brutal repression employed by the British authorities to quell the revolt. The film portrays the routine employ of violence, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and collective punishment, mirroring the “legalized lawlessness” documented by historian Caroline Elkins. Legacy of Violence The film also acknowledges the complexities within Palestinian society, portraying collaborators and those who opposed the rebellion alongside the fervent nationalists.

The film also highlights the role of figures like Orde Wingate, a British military commander who led controversial counterinsurgency operations with Jewish volunteers. While the film’s portrayal of Wingate has been criticized for potentially minimizing his brutality, it underscores the extent of British collaboration with Zionist forces.

The Power of Intimate Storytelling

Jacir’s film distinguishes itself through its focus on the “intimate moments” of Palestinian life during the revolt – the family dynamics, the strength of women, and the hopes and fears of children. Characters like Father Boulos, a Greek Orthodox priest, and Hanan, a resilient matriarch, embody the enduring spirit of the Palestinian people. The film also showcases the active role of women in the rebellion and the importance of oral history in preserving Palestinian national identity.

A Legacy of Resistance

Palestine 36 concludes with the suppression of the revolt, but leaves the audience with a sense of enduring hope. The final image of a running child symbolizes the continuation of the Palestinian struggle for freedom. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the historical roots of the ongoing conflict and the importance of understanding the past to address the challenges of the present. As Jacir herself has stated, the period of the 1936–39 Revolt never truly ended, and the long struggle for freedom continues.

Palestine 36 is Palestine’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.