Schedule
Join us for a world premiere screening of Bisan, a Seen Palestine documentary that tells the story of one of the world’s most courageous journalists, Bisan Owda from Gaza.
Join Us for Palestine Cinema Days in Chicago at Haymarket House.
On the somber anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, observed on November 2nd, and in an effort to amplify Palestinian voices, we are screening Aida Returns directed by Carol Mansour.
Aida Returns is a poignant, sometimes sad, sometimes painful, sometimes humorous, often absurd story of a multiple journey: the journey of loss as the director’s mother Aida struggled with losing herself to Alzheimer’s disease, but finding solace in her repeated “returning” to the Yafa and Palestine of her youth; the journey of the loss of a parent; and the ultimate return journey back to Yafa where Aida would finally find rest and be herself once more.
While millions of birds migrate freely in the skies, a Palestinian refugee in Lebanon, yearns for the ancestral homeland she is denied. The homing instincts of the birds highlight the unresolved problems of the region, and this story adopts a birds’ eye perspective to reflect on freedom of movement, exile and the hope of return.
A Palestinian school teacher struggles to reconcile his commitment to political resistance with his emotional support for a student and the possibility of a romantic relationship with a volunteer worker.
Join us for a special encore of the short films from this year that received our Jury-selected awards!
SAMIA HALABY: A VIDEO PORTRAIT * AN ORANGE FROM JAFFA * RESISTANCE CLIMBING
Festivities begin at 6pm
LYD follows the rise and fall of Lyd — a 5,000-year-old metropolis that was once a bustling Palestinian town until it was conquered when the State of Israel was established in 1948. As the film unfolds, a chorus of characters creates a tapestry of the Palestinian experience of this city and the trauma left by the massacre and expulsion.
Preceded by RESISTANCE CLIMBING
YALLAH GAZA explores historical and geopolitical aspects, Palestinian politics, International Law and records. The film bears witness to their “fury to live” and the daily struggle that keeps despair at bay as Palestinians pass this flame, their culture and their land, from one generation to the next.
Preceded by THE REALITY THAT SURPASSES ME
A Palestinian school teacher struggles to reconcile his commitment to political resistance with his emotional support for a student and the possibility of a romantic relationship with a volunteer worker.
In a moving memoir about the burden of leaving, the endurance of memory, and the determination to forge one’s own destinies and identities, filmmaker Lina Soualem traces the story of her mother — Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass — and their family, whose lives have been defined by separation, exile, and displacement.
Preceded by JAMILA and AN ORANGE FROM JAFFA
Three Promises is the story of a mother and her camera, of a son and his suppressed memories, and of an entire country. While on the surface there emerges the heartrending portrait of everyday life in times of war, it is the staggering beauty of a mother’s love that is revealed between the lines.
Preceded by HAMZA: THE GHOST CHASING ME and PULSE OF PALESTINE
Israel violates the civil and human rights of Palestinians as a matter of standard, accepted policy. The law is whatever Israel deems to be in the best interest of Jewish Israelis and to the detriment of Palestinians. However, this film follows brave determined individuals who are trying to expose the destructive, unjust, and sometimes invisible ways in which Israel exploits and oppresses Palestinians.
Preceded by SAMIA HALABY: A VIDEO PORTRAIT
Made over the course of 5 years, this film gains intimate access to the family of imprisoned Palestinian political leader, Marwan Barghouthi. Through his family and a collage of in depth interviews, the immersive documentary is an unflinchingly honest and transformative journey into the saga of Palestinian prisoners, their loved ones, and political representation of Palestinians under occupation.
Preceded by DAKHLA and HIGH ROADS
While millions of birds migrate freely in the skies, a Palestinian refugee in Lebanon, yearns for the ancestral homeland she is denied. The homing instincts of the birds highlight the unresolved problems of the region, and this story adopts a birds’ eye perspective to reflect on freedom of movement, exile and the hope of return.
Preceded by FOREVER KHALED and MAR MAMA
When two young American Jews raised to unconditionally love Israel witness the brutal way Israel treats Palestinians, their lives take sharp left turns. ISRAELISM uniquely explores how Jewish attitudes towards Israel are changing dramatically, with massive consequences for the region.
Preceded by JABAL
Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. with a reception.
In a moving memoir about the burden of leaving, the endurance of memory, and the determination to forge one’s own destinies and identities, filmmaker Lina Soualem traces the story of her mother — Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass — and their family, whose lives have been defined by separation, exile, and displacement.
Preceded by JAMILA and AN ORANGE FROM JAFFA
Night 3 of our virtual Falasteen Film Fridays series features a series of short films called Gaza Stories by Gaza-based director Iyad Alasttal.
Night 2 of our virtual Falasteen Film Fridays series features the films Blacklisted, about love under occupation, and KOFIA, a documentary about the Palestinian-Swedish band.
Night 1 of our virtual Falasteen Film Fridays series features two films: Borderline, featuring musicians under occupation, and Made in Palestine about the Hirbawi Keffiyeh factory in Al Khalil.
Yallah Gaza explores historical and geopolitical aspects, Palestinian politics, International Law and records. The film bears witness to their “fury to live” and the daily struggle that keeps despair at bay as Palestinians pass this flame, their culture and their land, from one generation to the next.
Yallah Gaza explores historical and geopolitical aspects, Palestinian politics, International Law and records. The film bears witness to their “fury to live” and the daily struggle that keeps despair at bay as Palestinians pass this flame, their culture and their land, from one generation to the next.
The Chicago Palestine Film Festival invites you to attend the virtual screening of two short films: GAZA FOOTBULLET, directed by Gaza based filmmaker Iyad Alasttal and THE NIGHTMARE OF GAZA, by Farah Nabulsi. We hope to see you all there to support Palestinian filmmakers and perspectives.
Interview with renowned filmmaker, Farah Nabulsi, following the screening!
Join the Chicago Palestine Film Festival and community partners for an evening of reflection and solidarity, featuring panelists, speakers, and an art exhibit by Gaza-based artist Zainab Al-Qolaq, titled “I am 22, I Lost 22 People.”
Tune in for a free online screening of “I Am From Palestine” and “Angel of Gaza”, and stick around after the show for an interview with the filmmakers!
In a moving memoir about the burden of leaving, the endurance of memory, and the determination to forge one’s own destinies and identities, filmmaker Lina Soualem traces the story of her mother — Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass — and their family, whose lives have been defined by separation, exile, and displacement.
In partnership with CIFF
In a moving memoir about the burden of leaving, the endurance of memory, and the determination to forge one’s own destinies and identities, filmmaker Lina Soualem traces the story of her mother — Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass — and their family, whose lives have been defined by separation, exile, and displacement.
In partnership with CIFF
***SOLD OUT***
Director Panel Discussion post screening
From writer, director, producor, editor and composer Vin Arfuso, with producers Anwar Hadid, Kweku Mandela, Roger Waters, Immortal Technique, Yassmine Qaddumi, Bassam Jarbawi and Rob Proto.
A secret museum in an art hotel sparks intrigue when it's revealed to be a creation of controversial artist, Banksy. The film journeys through the hotel, Palestine, and a relevant past to dismantle the mainstream media's bias towards the Palestinian struggle for freedom and equality.
Unbeknownst to most Americans, 34 states passed laws intending to silence those pressuring Israel on its human rights record. Boycott chronicles one of the most consequential First Amendment battles of the past few decades and investigates the question – how did we get here?
Preceded by A TRIP TO THE MOTHERLAND and I AM FROM PALESTINE
Note: This film is screening at Gene Siskel!
Tantura investigates the massacre at the Palestinian village of Tantura in 1948 and the dogged work of one Israeli researcher to finally expose the truth.
Preceded by A TRIP TO THE MOTHERLAND, I AM FROM PALESTINE, and THE LAST DAYS OF APRIL
Exiled in Paris, twins Arab and Tarzan Abu Nasser confine themselves in their small studio, where they recreate a mental Palestine.
Preceded by A TRIP TO THE MOTHERLAND, BOREKAS, and LAST MAY IN PALESTINE
A portrait filmed over five years about two Bedouin smugglers living on the edge in one the most fragile regions of the world.
Preceded by A TRIP TO THE MOTHERLAND, BETWEEN THE BARRICADES, and CLIMBING OVER THE WALL
The story of a Palestinian teenager named Tamer, who becomes enamored with Maysaa’. As he grows closer to her, he agrees to take part in a mysterious and life-changing operation dubbed ‘Alam’.
Preceded by A TRIP TO THE MOTHERLAND and WALLS CANNOT KEEP US FROM FLYING
