The months since October 2023 have underlined the great struggle we face as Palestinians to merely exist. Our arts and culture - and in particular, our cinema - have long played a fundamental role in protecting our narrative and reflecting the Palestinian struggle over the past 76 years. Against the backdrop of the current genocide, it has never been more urgent for Palestinian filmmaking to be platformed as a space of creative resistance, exchange and dialogue. The Palestine Film Institute’s work in supporting and promoting Palestinian narratives stems from the belief that we can rebuild the cultural infrastructure that has been destroyed; this is our commitment to a better future for the next generation. Our work to enable the participation of Palestinian filmmakers on their own terms in international forums is a vital part of this work.
Returning to Cannes for the 7th year, we are proud to present 4 documentaries in progress in partnership with Cannes Docs during the Marché du Film (20-17th May). These projects were selected by an independent international jury, have received bespoke mentorship by PFI industry consultants and are supported to access the festival through accreditation and travel stipends. We invite you to join us for the 2024 Palestine Showcase at Cannes Docs.
PFI would like to thank everyone who has supported us in amplifying the voices and images of the Palestinian people and their filmmakers since we launched in 2018. Big thanks to the Cannes Doc team who have provided us with this vital safe space. Heartfelt thanks to the friends who have pledged their support financially to enable the attendance and participation of the projects teams at Cannes Docs this year. Finally, we thank the filmmakers who keep believing in the power of storytelling, and their trust in the institute to bring their films and projects to the international platform of Cannes.
