Bethlehem Cultural Festival X Films of Resistance: Love, Hopes and Dreams – A Night of Palestinian Shorts
Directed by Palestinian filmmakers on the ground in the last couple of years, these award-winning shorts tell moving stories of relationships, kinship and resilience. The selection of films reflects the experiences of generations living under occupation, drawing a loving portrait of Palestine through what are ultimately stories about life itself.
The shorts will be followed by a Q&A.
This screening will support fundraising efforts for Alrowwad Cultural Centre in Aida camp, Bethlehem.
Palestine Islands, 2023, Julien Menanteau & Nour Ben Salem, 22 mins.
After seeing her blind grandfather faint, 12 year-old Maha imagines a crazy project: to make him believe that the Wall of Separation has fallen, thereby making a return to his native land possible.
Bridging the Borders Award Winner - Palm Springs Shortfest
Palestine 87, 2022, Bilal Alkhatib, 14 mins.
A man fleeing the Israeli army during the First Palestinian Intifada is sheltered by two strangers who prevent his capture.
Golden Tanit Award Winner for Best Short Film - Carthage Film Festival
The Deer’s Tooth, 2024, Saif Hammash, 16 mins.
A young man in a refugee camp sets out on a perilous journey to fulfil his little brother's wish: to throw his baby tooth into the sea.
Official selection - Cannes Film Festival's La Cinef
Blood Like Water, 2023, Dima Hamdan, 15 mins.
Shadi embarks on a secret adventure, and accidentally drags his family into a trap where they only have two choices; either collaborate with the Israeli occupation, or be shamed and humiliated by their own people. Based on true stories.
Iris Prize Award Winner
Orange From Jaffa, 2024, Mohammed Almughanni, 27mins
Mohammed, a young Palestinian, is desperately looking for a taxi to take him through an Israeli checkpoint. The driver, Farouk, discovers that Mohammed has already failed to cross the checkpoint. Trouble begins.
Best International Film Award Winner - Clermont-Ferrand International Film Festival
Bethlehem Cultural Festival provides a platform to celebrate Palestine’s rich and diverse cultural scene through music, theatre, film, cookery, dance, architectural heritage and discussion.
Films of Resistance are a collective offering a decentralised screening and fundraising resource. All funds raised through their screenings are reinvested into Palestinian filmmaking and cultural centres in Palestine.