In a landmark move highlighting its commitment to Arab storytelling on the global stage, Katara Studios has officially announced its support for Palestine 36, the newest feature from acclaimed Palestinian director Annemarie Jacir.
The film is set to make its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as a Gala Screening — a major milestone for regional cinema and a powerful platform for Palestinian voices.
Katara Studios has played a pivotal role as lead financier, supporting the project from script to screen. Beyond production, the studio also commissioned the film’s evocative original score, performed by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.
Palestine 36 presents a deeply moving portrait of a nation in transition, brought to life by a powerful ensemble cast. International icons Jeremy Irons and Liam Cunningham join Tunisian star Dhafer L’Abidine and renowned Palestinian actors Hiam Abbass, Yasmine Al Massri, Kamel El Basha, and longtime Jacir collaborator Saleh Bakri.
Written and directed by Jacir, the film explores themes of memory, identity, and resistance — marking her highly awaited return to narrative cinema.
Produced by Ossama Bawardi for Philistine Films, the film unites a stellar international production team, including co-producers Cat Villiers (UK), Hani Farsi and Nils Åstrand for Corniche Media (UK), Olivier Barbier for MK Productions (France), Katrin Pors for Snowglobe (Denmark), and Azzam Fakhrildin and Hamza Ali.
