IFFK 2025 Highlights Palestinian Struggles Through Award-Winning Films

Thiruvananthapuram: At the 30th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), a special focus is on films that deeply portray the relentless struggle of the Palestinian people for survival. Three notable films are being showcased in this segment.

The centerpiece of this category is “All That’s Left of You”, written and directed by Chereen Dabas. The film spans three generations of Palestinian families, exploring the traumas and crisis of identity they face across decades, from 1948 to the present day. The film received critical acclaim at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and was Jordan’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars. It also won the Best Film award at the Malaysian International Film Festival.

“The Sea”, by Shay Karmeli Pollack, follows the story of 12-year-old Palestinian boy Khalid, who dreams of seeing the Mediterranean. The film traces his daring journey past military checkpoints without proper travel documents, highlighting survival, courage, and helplessness. It won five awards at the Ophir Awards in Israel, including Best Film, and was selected as Israel’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards.

“Once Upon a Time in Gaza”, co-directed by siblings Tarzan Nasr and Arab Nasr, is set against the backdrop of Gaza in 2007. It tells the story of a young man seeking revenge for the murder of a friend. The film won the Best Director award in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

These Palestinian films, which transcend political boundaries to tell stories of unyielding hope and unextinguished desire for freedom, will engage audiences at IFFK and resonate with cinema lovers worldwide.

The opening film of IFFK is “Palestine 36”, directed by Anmaru Jasir. The film won the Grand Prix for Best Film at the Tokyo International Film Festival this year and has also been officially selected as Palestine’s entry for the 98th Academy Awards.