Palestinian filmmaker Annemarie Jacir’s monumental historical drama Palestine 36 has achieved a significant milestone on its journey to potential Oscar glory by winning the Grand Prix (top prize) at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival on November 5, 2025. The prestigious award—which carries a monetary prize of 3 million Japanese yen (approximately $19,545)—represents an extraordinary achievement for Palestinian cinema and validates Jacir’s artistic vision of a period drama exploring the 1936 Arab Revolt against British colonial rule. Jury president Carlo Chartrian, presenting the award, expressed that the jury “was moved by the emotional aspect of this film, portraying mostly unknown historical facts”—recognition that highlights Palestine 36‘s ability to combine intimate character storytelling with historical significance. The Tokyo Grand Prix victory significantly strengthens Palestine 36‘s Oscar bid as Palestine’s official international feature submission for the 2026 Academy Awards, positioning the film as a formidable contender in what promises to be a competitive international feature race. Following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (where it received a standing ovation) and now with the Tokyo accolade bolstering its credentials, Palestine 36 represents a pivotal moment for Palestinian cinema on the global stage—a film addressing historical trauma with artistic ambition while resonating with international audiences and critical recognition.
Palestine 36 Wins Tokyo Grand Prix, Strengthens Oscar Bid
Award: Grand Prix (Governor of Tokyo Award) | Festival: 38th Tokyo International Film Festival | Award Date: November 5, 2025 | Prize Money: 3 million Japanese yen (~$19,545) | Jury President: Carlo Chartrian | Oscar Status: Palestine’s official submission for Best International Feature (2026 Academy Awards)
On November 5, 2025, Palestinian filmmaker Annemarie Jacir’s Palestine 36 secured the Tokyo International Film Festival’s highest honor, the Grand Prix/Governor of Tokyo Award. Jury president Carlo Chartrian revealed that the jury “was moved by the emotional aspect of this film, portraying mostly unknown historical facts”—a recognition that emphasizes both the film’s artistic achievement and its historical significance in bringing overlooked narratives to global audiences.
The Tokyo triumph represents the latest in a series of international festival successes for Palestine 36, following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2025, where it became the first Arab film to screen in TIFF’s prestigious Gala section and received an extended standing ovation. The film also screened at AFI Fest and the Denver Film Festival before its Tokyo victory, accumulating critical praise and industry recognition at each venue.
Cast and Performance
Yusuf (Karim Daoud Anaya) — A young man caught between his rural village and the rapidly changing city of Jerusalem, Yusuf becomes embroiled in the political upheaval of 1936 Palestine. His journey forms the film’s emotional and narrative center, exploring themes of resistance, identity, and personal choice amid historical transformation.
Afra (Wardi Eilabouni) — A young girl navigating an uncertain world with the guidance of her grandmother, Afra’s character embodies Palestinian youth grappling with colonial occupation and emerging political consciousness.
Hiam Abbass as Yusuf’s Grandmother — The acclaimed actress (known for Succession) provides the film’s emotional anchor, portraying the elder woman who guides younger generations through crisis. Abbass brings gravitas and depth to the familial and historical dimensions of the narrative.
Saleh Bakri as Port Worker — A port worker who finds himself drawn into the emerging uprising, Bakri’s character represents the broader Palestinian working class awakening to political consciousness. Known for his work in The Teacher, Bakri delivers a performance emphasizing the ordinary person’s transformation into political actor.
Jeremy Irons as British Official — Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons portrays a British colonial commissioner attempting to maintain order as tensions escalate. Irons’ performance humanizes the colonizer figure without excusing colonial authority, exploring the individual within institutional power.
Additional Cast: Liam Cunningham, Dhafer L’Abidine, Yasmine Al-Massri, Kamel El-Basha, Jalalil Aram provide supporting depth to the ensemble, each representing different social strata and political positions within 1936 Palestinian society.
Director and Writer: Annemarie Jacir’s Vision
Director and Writer: Annemarie Jacir | Previous Films: Salt of This Sea (2008), When I Saw You (2012), Wajib (2017) | Oscar History: All three previous films submitted as Palestine’s Oscar entries | Production Timeline: Decade-long development, halted by October 7, 2023 war, resumed in Jordan and Palestine
Annemarie Jacir stands as Palestinian cinema’s preeminent international filmmaker, with a track record of transforming Palestinian narratives into globally resonant cinema. All three of her previous feature films—Salt of This Sea, When I Saw You, and Wajib—were submitted by Palestine as Oscar entries, demonstrating her unique position as the filmmaker trusted to represent Palestinian cinema on the world’s largest stage.
Production of Palestine 36 began a decade before principal photography commenced in 2023. Jacir was exactly one week away from starting production when the October 7, 2023 Israel-Hamas War erupted, forcing a temporary halt. Production resumed in Jordan before returning to Palestine for additional filming—a production journey that embodied the film’s thematic tension between internal Palestinian politics and external occupation.
In interviews, Jacir has expressed profound gratitude for the film’s recognition, noting that despite nine films competing for Palestine’s Oscar submission selection, Palestine 36 was “the only feature film that’s shot in Palestine in the last two years.” This observation underscores the resilience required to create cinema amid ongoing occupation and conflict—a testament to Palestinian artistic commitment despite circumstances.
Historical Context and Plot
Palestine 36 is set during 1936-1939, a critical period in Palestinian history during the British Mandate following World War I. The historical backdrop includes the arrival of European Jewish settlers fleeing antisemitism, British colonial administration, and the emergence of the Arab Revolt—a popular Palestinian uprising against colonial rule and Jewish immigration.
The film deliberately connects this historical moment to present-day Palestinian experience, exploring themes of resistance, displacement, and the ordinary lives disrupted by political upheaval. Rather than presenting solely macro-historical narrative, the film interweaves intimate character moments—family relationships, romantic attachments, economic survival—with historical events, creating emotional specificity within broader historical scope.
Critics have noted that Palestine 36 is “prescient” in its timing—arriving when global attention focuses intensely on the Gaza conflict, offering historical perspective on the origins of Palestinian-Israeli tensions while maintaining nuanced portrayal of individual agency amid structural forces.
Production Details and Support
Producers: Samaya Awardi, Azzam Fakhriddin | Production Companies: Philistine Films (UK), Autonomous (UK), Corniche Media (UK), MK Productions (France), Snowglobe (Denmark) | International Sales: mk2 films, Lucky Number (France) | MENA Distribution: Mad Solutions | North American Distribution: Watermelon Pictures
Funding Partners: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Fund, Qatar-based Katara Studios, BBC Film, Doha Film Institute, Cocoon, TRVP, FFA (Germany), CNC – Aide au Cinéma du Monde, Region Ile-de-France | Filming Locations: Palestine, Jordan
The international production coalition supporting Palestine 36 demonstrates genuine global commitment to Palestinian cinema—funding originating from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. The participation of BBC Film signals British cultural institutions’ recognition of Palestinian artistic significance, while the inclusion of Saudi and Qatari support indicates pan-Arab institutional backing.
Oscar Timeline and Prospects
International Feature Shortlist Announcement: December 16, 2025 | Final Five Nomination Announcement: January 22, 2026 | 98th Academy Awards Ceremony: March 15, 2026 | Oscar Submission Count: 18th film from Palestine, 4th directed by Annemarie Jacir
Palestine has submitted 18 films to the Academy Awards in the international feature category, earning two nominations to date: Hany Abu-Assad’s Paradise Now (2006) and Omar (2014). Palestine 36 becomes the fourth Jacir submission, positioning her as Palestinian cinema’s most frequently nominated director. The Tokyo Grand Prix victory significantly strengthens the film’s shortlist prospects, demonstrating international critical consensus and providing momentum heading into December’s shortlist announcement.
Where to Watch Palestine 36
Festival Screenings (Completed): Toronto International Film Festival (September 5, 2025), AFI Fest, Denver Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival (November 5, 2025)
North American Theatrical Release: Watermelon Pictures acquired distribution rights; theatrical release expected early 2026 ahead of Oscar consideration
International Theatrical Release: mk2 films and Lucky Number handling international sales; theatrical releases anticipated across European and international territories during awards season (winter/spring 2026)
Streaming: Information regarding streaming availability has not yet been announced. Typically, Oscar contenders remain in theatrical distribution through awards season before transitioning to digital platforms.
Significance for Palestinian Cinema and Global Cinema
The film’s success simultaneously underscores the systemic barriers Palestinian filmmakers face. As Jacir noted, Palestine 36 was “the only feature film shot in Palestine in the last two years”—a reality reflecting the profound challenges of artistic production amid occupation and conflict. That one film emerged despite these obstacles, only to win international recognition, speaks to Palestinian artistic determination and the global community’s hunger for Palestinian perspectives.
As Palestine 36 advances through Oscar consideration and theatrical release, it carries profound significance beyond mere awards—it represents Palestinian cinema’s arrival as a serious force in global cinema capable of addressing historical trauma, political complexity, and human resilience with artistic sophistication.
