A powerful new film explores the 1936-1939 Arab revolt in Palestine, arriving in cinemas amid renewed global focus on the region’s history. The ambitious production examines the period through a sprawling narrative that captures the perspectives of numerous characters caught in the escalating conflict.
The story centers on a young villager who moves to Jerusalem for work, finding employment with a newspaper editor willing to engage with various political factions. Initially apolitical, the protagonist’s worldview transforms as he witnesses the harsh realities of colonial rule.
The ensemble cast features distinguished actors portraying both Palestinian resistance figures and British colonial officials. Among the colonial administration, divisions emerge between officials advocating restraint and military officers implementing severe measures against the local population. One particularly controversial character embodies colonial excess through his advocacy for radical solutions and brutal tactics against civilians.
Throughout the narrative, the screenplay incorporates dialogue that resonates with contemporary understanding of the conflict’s trajectory. Characters debate competing visions for the land’s future, with some expressing concerns about demographic and economic displacement.
While maintaining a deliberate pace that some might find measured, the film effectively distributes its emotional weight across multiple storylines. The production serves as a stark historical reminder of a complex chapter often overlooked in conventional historical accounts.
The film opens in cinemas across the United Kingdom and Ireland on October 31st.
