The Israeli police recently shut down a screening of the film Palestine 36, which has been selected as the Palestinian entry for the 2026 Oscars. The incident took place at the Yabous Cultural Center and Cinematheque, a venue considered essential for the dissemination of Palestinian cinema in Jerusalem. Annemarie Jacir, the film’s director, described the closure of the screening as a violation of freedom of expression.
We forbid you to see the truth
According to Jacir, Israeli police officers interrupted the activity at the cultural center, which has served as a fundamental space to showcase works that represent the Palestinian narrative. In a statement sent to Deadline, Jacir expressed her deep concern about the assault on artistic freedom and censorship, highlighting that such actions impact not only film production but also the rights of artists and the public to access diverse voices and perspectives.
The closure of Palestine 36 occurs in a context of constant tensions between Israeli forces and the Palestinian community, especially regarding cultural expression. The situation has generated reactions both locally and internationally, with calls for the right to free expression in all its forms to be respected. Meanwhile, Jacir continues to advocate for Palestinian cinema to receive the visibility it deserves, arguing that creative voices are essential to connect with and understand the complexity of the conflict.
Critics note that this incident highlights a pattern of censorship facing Palestinian art, raising questions about the future of freedom of expression in the region. As the international community closely follows these events, many are wondering if there will be additional measures to protect artists’ rights to express their visions without fear of reprisals.