Palestine Cinema Days

19.30 – Introduction by Hamza Badran
19.30 – The Dupes (1972) *
22.00 – A State of Passion (2024) *

A State of Passion (2024)
Carol Mansour & Muna Khalidi
Documentary, 90 min British-Palestinian surgeon Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah spent 43 days under Gaza’s bombardment, treating the wounded without rest. Facing horrific injuries, targeted hospitals, and orphaned children, his work became a symbol of resistance. This film explores his sixth and most harrowing Gaza war, his family’s fears, and the shared passion for Palestine that fuels his relentless humanitarian mission despite the danger.

The Dupes (1972)
Tewfik Saleh
Drama, 107 min
Available Subtitles (EN)
Based on Ghassan Kanafani’s novella, three Palestinian refugees—Abu Qais, Assad, and Marwan—attempt to escape Lebanon’s refugee camps for Kuwait. Hiding in a water tanker under the desert sun, they suffocate when the smuggler fails to release them in time. The tragedy ends with a haunting question: “Why didn’t they knock on the walls of the tank?”

* Please note: on 1 November it's only possible to join if you have a ticket for Museumnacht, but both films will also be screened on 3 November at the Rijksakademie (free entrance).

16:00 – Introduction by Hamza Badran
16:00 – When I Saw You (2012)
17:30 – Drinks & Break
18:00 – Short Film: Upshot (2024)
18:30 – Snacks by Maison Dante

When I Saw You (2012)
Annemarie Jacir
Drama, 98 min
In 1967 Jordan, 11-year-old Tarek and his mother, separated from his father during war, wait in a refugee camp for a return to Palestine. Restless and longing for reunion, Tarek discovers a group embodying freedom and hope. His journey with them transforms his life, capturing a moment when youthful idealism and political awakening ignite a path toward change.

UPSHOT (2024)
Maha Haj
Drama, 34 min
Suleiman and Mona are a couple who lead a solitary life in which they care for animals and trees and have constant heated discussions about their children’s life choices. However, one day, their routine is disturbed when a stranger shows up, calling to mind a painful past.

18:30 – Introduction by Hamza Badran
18:30 – Jenin Jenin (2002)
19:30 – A State of Passion (2024)
21:45 – The Dupes (1972)

Jenin, Jenin (2002)
Mohammad Bakri
Documentary, 54 min
In 2002, during Israel’s invasion of Jenin refugee camp, journalists were barred and war crime accusations emerged. Filmmaker Mohammad Bakri entered to record residents’ testimonies, giving voice to those silenced. The film was banned, sparking legal battles and accusations from soldiers. Years later, Israel’s Supreme Court overturned the ban, restoring this raw account of a community under siege.

A State of Passion (2024)
Carol Mansour & Muna Khalidi
Documentary, 90 min
British-Palestinian surgeon Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah spent 43 days under Gaza’s bombardment, treating the wounded without rest. Facing horrific injuries, targeted hospitals, and orphaned children, his work became a symbol of resistance. This film explores his sixth and most harrowing Gaza war, his family’s fears, and the shared passion for Palestine that fuels his relentless humanitarian mission despite the danger.

The Dupes (1972)
Tewfik Saleh
Drama, 107 min
Available Subtitles (En)
Based on Ghassan Kanafani’s novella, three Palestinian refugees—Abu Qais, Assad, and Marwan—attempt to escape Lebanon’s refugee camps for Kuwait. Hiding in a water tanker under the desert sun, they suffocate when the smuggler fails to release them in time. The tragedy ends with a haunting question: “Why didn’t they knock on the walls of the tank?”