11/03/2026
On November 14th, the Kootenay Friends of Standing Together (KFoST) are excited to present Palestine 36, a sweeping historical epic tracing the origins of a story still unfolding today in Palestine-Israel.
Starring Saleh Bakri, Hiam Abbass (“Succession”), Oscar winner Jeremy Irons and Liam Cunningham (“Game of Thrones”), Palestine 36 reconstructs the Arab revolt against British colonial rule in 1936. Tensions rise in Jerusalem and Palestinian villages amid British crackdowns prompted by the arrival of Jewish immigrants escaping antisemitism in Europe. All sides spiral towards conflict in what will become an historic moment for the British Empire, its western allies, and the future of the entire region. The film provides essential historical background to the situation in the region today. With a 15-minute standing ovation at the Toronto Film Festival and a short-listing for the Academy Award Best Foreign Film Feature, it has received praise for its scale, emotional depth, and powerful storytelling.
According to KFoST member Bessie Wapp, “there is a certain historical amnesia that sometimes leads people to think all this bloodshed started on Oct 7 [2023]. But the violence has been going on for well over a century, and it has diverse and messy roots. These include the historical persecution of Jews in Europe who genuinely needed refuge, and the messianic settler movement that is currently brutalizing Palestinian villagers in the West Bank daily, with full military support. A lasting peace will only be possible if we acknowledge that both peoples have suffered terribly, and that there is a grievous power imbalance.”
Standing Together is the largest, jointly led Jewish-Palestinian peace organization in Palestine-Israel. They actively campaign against forever war by engaging in co-resistance to Israel’s illegal occupation, apartheid, and genocide in Palestinian territories. At the same time, they call out the violence of Hamas and other militant groups who target civilians in the name of national liberation. Standing Together rejects extremist calls for the forced expulsion of either Jews or Palestinians from the land.
Through joint struggle and shared values – equality, justice, and a vision of a genuinely democratic confederation of two states in a shared homeland – these activists find hope. “We are not looking for middle ground,” they say, “We are creating new ground.”
Proceeds from the film screenings will go to Standing Together’s Solidarity Guard, which works in the West Bank and Israel to help protect Palestinians from increasingly violent settler attacks.
Palestine 36 will screen at the Nelson United Church on November 14th at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:30.
Tickets available online at simpli.events/e/Palestine-36-film-screening, in person at Otter Books, and at the door.
Palestine '36 Film Screening hosted by Friends of Standing Together, Kootenay Chapter. Proceeds will go to Standing Together at the vital work they do in Palestine-Israel for Peace, Equality, Justice and ending the occupation. https://www.standing-together.org/en Film Synopsis: Palestine ’36 is a ...
