Hiam Abbass Says Starring in Epic ‘Palestine 36’ Was a ‘Duty’
Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass recently discussed the significance of her role in films such as Annemarie Jacir’s “Palestine 36” during a career talk at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Abbass, known for her role in “Succession,” emphasized the importance of portraying Palestinian history on screen, especially at a time when it is threatened to be erased and forgotten.
In “Palestine 36,” which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, Abbass plays a role in a historical epic set in 1936 in a Palestinian village rebelling against British colonial rule. The film has been praised for its grand scale, ambitious storytelling, and attention to historical detail by critics like Murtada Elfadl from Variety.
Abbass shared her experience working on the film, revealing the challenges faced during production. Due to the outbreak of war in the region, filming had to be postponed multiple times before eventually relocating to Jordan. The logistical nightmare of traveling from Paris to Jordan amidst escalating tensions added to the complexity of the production.
Despite the challenges, Abbass expressed the importance of participating in a project like “Palestine 36” as a way of preserving Palestinian history for future generations. She emphasized the sense of duty she felt in telling these stories and ensuring that they are not forgotten.
In addition to her acting career, Abbass also discussed her ventures into directing, starting with the short film “Le Pain” in 2001. Her directorial debut, “Inheritance,” premiered at the Venice Film Festival, and she later directed episodes for the television series “Ramy.”
When asked about future directorial projects, Abbass mentioned having a few stories in mind but acknowledged that acting has taken precedence. She expressed a desire to take her time and not rush into directing another feature film unless she feels truly inspired to do so.
Overall, Abbass’s career talk shed light on the intersection of art, duty, and storytelling, particularly when it comes to representing Palestinian history on screen. Her commitment to preserving these narratives through film serves as a testament to the power of cinema in capturing and immortalizing important moments in history.
