Annemarie Jacir’s historical drama PALESTINE 36, recently shortlisted for the Oscars, is now screening in cinemas across Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan, as part of CineMAD, a pioneering three-month pan-Arab film season celebrating Arab films recognized and celebrated on the international festival circuit.
 
The film opened in Egypt on December 31, followed by its release across the Gulf and Jordan on January 1, with upcoming releases scheduled for Morocco on January 4, Tunisia on January 7, and Saudi Arabia on January 8.
 
PALESTINE 36 is currently screening across Egypt at Zawya, Nile Cinema, Cima Arkan, Madinaty, Dandy Mall, Point 90, Americana Plaza, Vox Mall of Egypt, and Zamalek, offering audiences nationwide the opportunity to experience the film on the big screen.
 
Expanding its regional theatrical run, the film is now playing in Bahrain at Bahrain City Center – Cineco 20, Wadi Al Sail Cinemas, Oasis Mall Juffair, and The Avenues.
 
The release continues in Oman, where audiences can watch PALESTINE 36 at Muscat City Center, Mall of Oman, and Sohar City Center.
 
In Jordan, the film is currently screening at Taj Mall, City Mall, Abdali Mall, Irbid City Centre Mall, Baraka Mall, and the iconic Rainbow Theatre
 
This regional release comes as part of CineMAD, an initiative by Cairo-based Mad Solutions, presented in partnership with Premiere, Empire Entertainment, Filmlab Palestine, and Easy Distribution. CineMAD brings acclaimed Arab films from the festival circuit to cinemas across the Middle East and North Africa, giving audiences the chance to engage with award-winning stories on the big screen.
 
A revisit of the events leading to the Arab Revolt of 1936, PALESTINE 36 follows Yusuf as he drifts between his rural home and the restless energy of Jerusalem, longing for a future beyond the growing unrest of 1936 Mandate Palestine, where several villages were rising up against British rule.
 
However, history is relentless; with rising numbers of Jewish immigrants escaping an increasingly fascist Europe and Palestinian calls for independence, all sides spiral towards inevitable collision in a decisive moment for the British Empire and the future of the entire region.
 
Following its sold‑out world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film went on an extensive festival run, winning the Audience Award at the São Paulo International Film Festival, being shortlisted for the 38th European Film Awards, receiving a Best Screenplay nomination at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards, and claiming Best Film at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Most recently, it held a successful Arab World premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival.
 
PALESTINE 36 includes a roster of A-list actors, with many of Palestinian origin, including Hiam Abbass (PARADISE NOW, BLADE RUNNER 49), Palestinian cinema and theater icon Kamel El Basha, Saleh Bakri (SALT OF THIS SEA), and Yasmine Al-Massri (Netflix’s CASTLEVANIA,
THANK YOU FOR BANKING WITH US!), alongside top-shot British actor Jeremy Irons, the acclaimed Tunisian actor and model Dhafer L’Abidine, Billy Howle, GAME OF THRONES stars Liam Cunningham and Robert Aramayo, Syrian actor Jalal Altawil, as well as the debuting Yafa Bakri and Karim Daoud Anaya.
 
The film is produced by Ossama Bawardi, with co-production by Azzam Fakhrildin, Cat Villiers, Hani Farsi, Nils Åstrand, Olivier Barbier, Katrin Pors, Hamza Ali, and Elissa Pierre (through Philistine Films, Autonomous, Corniche Media, MK Productions, and Snowglobe); cinematography by Hélène Louvart; and music by Ben Frost. It is also distributed in the Arab World by MAD Distribution.