New Palestine Film Fund Supports Stories of Life in Gaza, Childhood in Hebron, and Bedouin Displacement

Palestine Film Institute Unveils Inaugural Recipients of the Palestine Film Fund

The Palestine Film Institute (PFI) has announced its first recipients of the newly established Palestine Film Fund (PFF), unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival last year. The initial funding round allocates a total of 45,000 Euro ($53,000) to support a diverse array of films, including six feature-length and three short films.

This inaugural selection showcases stories reflecting themes of displacement, memory, resistance, and resilience, all told from authentic Palestinian perspectives. The successful projects highlight a rich tapestry of narratives, reinforcing the significance of Palestinian storytelling in cinema today.

Among the funded projects are +477 Night, a documentary detailing life in Gaza, and The Story of the Mountain, which follows children in Hebron who aspire for a life free from checkpoints. Additionally, Three Days and a Third, directed by Rakan Mayasi, explores tribal traditions in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. Mayasi, known for his acclaimed short film Bonboné, brings a personal touch to this family drama.

The PFI reported a significant response to its call for applications, receiving 167 submissions from Palestinian filmmakers globally—comprising 74 feature-length projects and 93 short films. Notably, documentaries dominated the feature submissions, accounting for 77%, while 55% of short film applications were fictional in nature. Furthermore, 60% of the submissions were from male directors, with female directors making up the remaining 40%.

Reem Shadid, a member of the PFI Executive Board, expressed enthusiasm regarding the overwhelming response. "The urgent need for this fund is reflected in the incredible creative breadth of Palestinian storytelling happening globally," she stated. "These nine projects play a pivotal role in our mission to provide open spaces for Palestinian filmmakers to share their stories without the threat of censorship or erasure."

This funding round comes on the heels of a remarkable year for Palestinian cinema, highlighted by Oscar-shortlisted films such as Palestine 36 by Annemarie Jacir and All That’s Left You by Cherien Dabis. The recent Cannes Un Certain Regard Best Director winner, Once Upon a Time in Gaza, along with Kamal Aljafari’s European Film Award-nominated With Hasan in Gaza, emphasize the growing influence of Palestinian narrative in global cinema.

The inaugural PFF jury, which included Palestinian writer and director Michel Khleifi and Egyptian producer Marianne Khoury, noted the fund’s potential in cultivating new waves of Palestinian cinematic talent. "We were impressed by the quality of the projects we reviewed," stated the jury in a joint statement. "In these times of political erasure, prioritizing projects was challenging, leading us to extend support to nine projects. Each demonstrates a strong sense of urgency and resonance, grounded in Palestinian experiences yet open to imaginative forms."

The PFF aims to provide financial and sectorial support to filmmakers at various stages of production, with an emphasis on those located in Palestine or regions where access to funding is limited. Notable founding partners include the IDFA Bertha Fund, International Media Support, and the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture.

For educators and students of cinema, the second call for applications will open in early April 2026, signaling ongoing opportunities for collaboration and storytelling within the Palestinian film community.

First Round Funding Recipients

Feature Films

• Concrete Land (Palestine, Jordan)
  Director: Asmahan Bkerat
  An intimate documentary focusing on a three-generational Palestinian Bedouin family as they confront the repercussions of relentless urban development near Amman.

• +477 Night (Palestine)
  Director: Aisha Alqraan
  A documentary illustrating the haunting aftermath of war on a family living in Gaza.

• To Make Things Grow (UK)
  Director: Yasmin Fedda
  This documentary revisits the Farm School of Deir Amro, intertwining personal narratives and historical archives.

• Three Days and a Third (Belgium, Palestine, Lebanon)
  Director: Rakan Mayasi
  A hybrid film exploring the depths of tribal traditions and familial bonds in a fog-laden valley.

• The Story of the Mountain (Palestine)
  Director: Shayma’ Awawdeh
  A hybrid film capturing children’s imaginations during an animation workshop in Hebron.

• Aziza in a Cherished Land (Palestine)
  Director: Tareq Khalaf
  A documentary delving into the contrasting decisions faced by Aziza and Tareq amidst a turbulent socio-political landscape.

Short Films

• Trash (Palestine)
  Director: Leen Ms. Kanan
  This fiction piece tackles themes of courage and resilience during a tense military checkpoint encounter.

• Issa and the Forest (Palestine)
  Director: Rama Heib
  An animated story about a young boy’s journey into the unknown fueled by curiosity.

• Where the Light Rests (Palestine)
  Director: Islam Tuaima
  The documentary chronicles Asmaa’s transformation as she navigates loss and the memories of her loved ones.

The selected projects reflect a vibrant spectrum of Palestinian cinema, showcasing a rich legacy of storytelling that continues to evolve and inspire.