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| Yalla Parkour Photo: © PK Gaza |
The Palestinian Film Festival is returning to Leeds this year, running from November 12 to December 6 at venes across the city.
It will open with Yalla Parkour at the Hyde Park Picture House, a documentary framed by the experiences of US-based director Areeb Zuaiter as she forms a friendship with young Gazan athlete Ahmed Matar, after coming across his parkour clips online.
Other notable films in the line-up include Ben Hania's powerful and devastating The Voice Of Hind Rajab, which uses actual telephone conversations of a frightened youngster trying to get help before her death to bring home the horror of the situation in Gaza.
Palestine's official submission for the Best International Film Oscar, Palestine 36, will also screen, along with a series of new films made by Gazan women.
Frances Bernstein, festival co-director, said: "While Palestine is regularly in the news, cinema offers us something deeper - the chance to truly understand the stories and connections behind the headlines. Our main highlight, the powerful new drama Palestine 36, provides compelling insights into historical events that continue to resonate today. The festival is much more than a series of film screenings; it's a vital space for community, discussion, and cultural exchange. We invite the people of Leeds to come and explore, discuss, and be inspired by this year's incredible lineup."
Sir David Hare, playwright and screenwriter, said: "The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival has always been an outstanding event, throwing brilliant light on how Palestinians manage to continue their lives in such unique circumstances. Obviously, in 2025, the festival is more necessary, more urgent and more important than ever."
Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East, said: "The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival is sadly more important than ever, as we witness the horrific plight of the Palestinian people in both Gaza and the West Bank. I pay tribute to the organisers as it has helped raise awareness across our city and in fostering bonds of shared humanity- bonds that are essential in today's world, which so desperately needs peace, justice, and hope for a better future."
Read more about the full programme at leedspff.org.uk
