The festival, whose 2023 edition was postponed due to the Israeli war on Gaza, reaffirmed its commitment to the Palestinian cause this year.

This was clear even before the CIFF's opening evening when the festival's president, Hussein Fahmy, said in an interview released by the festival’s press office: “We made a clear stand by boycotting any company or entity on the boycott list, reaffirming our commitment to the Palestinian cause. This commitment remains at the heart of our festival — no challenge will alter that.”

Since the festival's opening on 13 November, many screenings and actions only reiterated this sentiment.

A solidarity festival
 

The festival's opening ceremony was a powerful demonstration of solidarity, with industry professionals walking the red carpet dressed in black to show support for Palestinian communities devastated by the violence in Gaza.

The Palestinian flag adorned the stage, and a traditional dance by dancers from Gaza set the tone for the night.

The opening film, Passing Dreams, by Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi, which is also competing in the international competition, was screened during the opening.

The film “addresses the fragmentation and dispersion experienced by many Palestinians,” Hani Mustafa wrote in his review published in the CIFF’s Daily Bulletin.

While following the protagonist Sami in search of his pigeon, “it highlights the violations committed by the occupation through this simple story of a road trip. The pigeon is not a symbol of peace; rather, it is a tool the director uses to expose the ugly face of the Israeli occupation, without resorting to violent scenes,” he added.

However, Passing Dreams is only one among many presentations of Palestinian cinema this year.

“Our programme creates deep focus on the Palestinian cause, particularly through Palestinian cinema,” Fahmy stated.

Many other films showcased at CIFF echo this commitment, portraying the complex reality of life under occupation while honouring the creative spirit that continues to thrive despite the challenges.

Palestine story through films
 

Fahmy noted that the festival's focus on Palestinian filmmakers was not just about entertainment but also about cultural dialogue and the importance of continuing to tell Palestine's story.

A number of films were followed by Q&As with the filmmakers, who recounted their experiences of working in Palestine. While pointing to the many tragedies, they also spoke about the resilient nation, people whose lives are adorned with hope and a few rays of sun.

Other voices from Palestine depict the country before the war that erupted on 7 October 2023. Those images create contrasts in our minds, prompted by the filmmakers and their stories, encouraging us to see the many faces of life in the occupied territories. 

Documentaries included in CIFF’s programming — Holidays in Palestine by Maxime Lindon, State of Passion: Ghassan Abu Sitta by Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi, and Gazan Tales by Mahmoud Nabil Ahmed — showcase the diverse approaches Palestinian filmmakers take to reflecting their society’s struggles.

Holidays in Palestine intimately portrays a young Palestinian man returning to his homeland from France for a brief holiday. The film contrasts the joy of family reunions with the harsh political realities of the country. 

In State of Passion, Mansour and Khalidi explore the life of Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta, a British-Palestinian plastic surgeon who has dedicated his career to treating victims of the violence in Gaza. His story is one of personal and professional devotion, but it also highlights the inescapable link between his work and the broader struggle for Palestinian dignity. 

Palestinian filmmakers have also expanded their storytelling beyond the immediate context of conflict, as seen in Gazan Tales. The film tells the stories of four men living in Gaza, each representing a different aspect of Palestinian life: a fisherman, a musician, a horse caretaker, and a family man.

Their lives, though distinct, are united by a shared resilience and a deep commitment to their homeland.

From Ground Zero
 

The 45th CIFF also introduces From Ground Zero, a project initiated by Rashid Masharawi. This ambitious compilation of 22 short films from Gaza filmmakers offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into life in the besieged strip. 

The shorts, each lasting between three and six minutes, tackle a range of themes from personal loss to the pervasive impact of war. These films form part of the festival’s new segment, From Zero Distance, a tribute to Palestinian filmmakers who continue to work under extremely difficult conditions. 

“I decided not to make a film but to give the filmmakers who live there a chance to tell their stories. The audience can also see artists’ films and experience Palestinian cinema in diverse forms,” Masharawi revealed to Adham Youssef in an interview the latter wrote for CIFF’s Bulletin.

“We are trying to make cinema and protect [our] memory in many ways,” Masharawi added.

From Ground Zero includes films such as Karim Satoum's Hell's Heaven, Ahmed Hassouna's Sorry Cinema, Nidaa Abou-Hasna’s Out of Frame, and Etemad Weshah’s Taxi Wanissa, among others. These reflect the daily realities that Gaza's residents face while highlighting their immense creativity and resolve.

More Palestinian voices unfold
 

In addition, the festival created an additional special segment titled Spotlight on Palestinian Cinema, where three shorts are screened: Born a Celebrity by Luay Awwad, Square Kilometer Dreams by Qassam Sbeih, and The Deer’s Tooth by Saif Hammash.

This is not to forget the Palestinian films which are part of the festival’s Short Films Competition, a segment that features 32 films from 23 countries. Half of the films represent voices from Arab countries.

In this segment, Palestine is represented by two entries: A Boring Poetic Life by Moatasem Taha and The Poem We Sang by Annie Sakkab.

These will compete for the top award, and the winner will also be awarded Oscar-qualifying privileges by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences — a unique opportunity that CIFF’s Short Film segment offers and the only such distinction coming from any of the North African film festivals.

Palestinian films will also compete for the special Best Palestinian Film award, a new award introduced to CIFF's almanac this year.

The jury panel for the Palestinian Film Award includes Egyptian critic and eminent TV presenter Amr El-Leithy (jury head), Jordanian filmmaker of Palestinian origin Layaly Badr, and Egyptian actor Moustafa Shaaban.

Meanwhile, Palestinian director and producer Raed Andoni sits on the Documentary Award Jury panel.