The Take Palestine 36: A film about a revolt that nearly changed history
Apr 3, 2026
Annemarie Jacir, Palestinian filmmaker and writer behind Palestine 36, blends personal family memory with historical cinema. She explores the 1936 Palestinian revolt, British colonial legacies, recreating 1930s villages on location, archival footage, and the production challenges and politics of screening the film today.
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1936 Revolt Nearly Overturned Colonial Rule
- The 1936 revolt was a large, nationwide Palestinian uprising against British colonial rule that nearly succeeded before being crushed by massed British forces.
- Annemarie Jacir focused on villagers' intimate choices rather than elites to show how ordinary people drove a revolt that spread across the country.
British Mandate Shaped Today's Conflict
- British and French colonial actions carved arbitrary borders and set up systems of control that still shape Palestine today.
- Jacir notes many audiences are surprised the British mandate existed, yet its policies continue to have present-day repercussions.
Film Success Met With Local Censorship
- Palestine 36 received awards and strong audience response, yet faced bans and pushback including halted screenings in Jerusalem.
- Jacir describes simultaneous international acclaim and local censorship, with festivals and cinemas refusing to screen the film.