Hiam Abbass Says Starring in Epic ‘Palestine 36’ Was a ‘Duty’

Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass recently shared her thoughts on the importance of starring in films that reflect Palestinian history and struggles, such as Annemarie Jacir’s “Palestine 36,” during a career talk at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Abbass, known for her role in “Succession,” expressed that being a part of such historical films felt like a duty, especially when Palestinian history is at risk of being erased and forgotten.

In “Palestine 36,” which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, Abbass plays a role in a story 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 also discussed her collaboration with Jacir on “Ramy” and how they both enjoyed each other’s creativity, leading to their work together on “Palestine 36.” She emphasized the importance of registering Palestinian history in films as a way to preserve it for future generations.

The production of “Palestine 36” faced numerous challenges, including the outbreak of war in the region, leading to the relocation of the shoot to Jordan. Abbass recalled the logistical difficulties of traveling to Jordan for filming amidst escalating tensions in the area. Despite the challenges, she described the experience as a victory and a testament to the resilience of everyone involved in the project.

In addition to her acting career, Abbass has ventured into directing, starting with the short film “Le Pain” in 2001 and making her directorial debut with “Inheritance” in 2012. She expressed that her decision to direct came from a necessity to share her own stories and perspectives as a woman and mother.

While Abbass has only directed one feature film so far, she hinted at having future stories lined up but emphasized that she is not in a rush to pursue them due to her acting commitments. She values the opportunity to create meaningful work and wants to ensure that any future projects she takes on are done with care and intention.

Overall, Abbass’s career talk shed light on the intersection of art and duty when it comes to portraying Palestinian history on screen. Her dedication to preserving and sharing stories from her heritage reflects a deep commitment to her craft and the importance of representation in the film industry.