Jerusalem (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) 30 January
2026 – Israeli police shut down a screening of the Palestinian film festival
Palestine 36 at the Jerusalem Cinematheque on 29 January, prompting
condemnation from prominent Arab film directors. The closure followed
complaints from local residents and intervention by Culture Minister Miki
Zohar, who cited security concerns. Organisers and filmmakers described the
action as censorship targeting Palestinian cultural expression.
The incident occurred during the festival's programme
featuring 36 short films by Palestinian directors, part of an annual event held
since 2019. Police dispersed the audience after barring entry to additional
attendees.
Details of the Screening Shutdown Incident
The screening took place at the Jerusalem Cinematheque, a
cultural venue in central Jerusalem, on Thursday evening. Palestine 36, organised
by the Al-Haq Foundation for Human Rights, showcased short films addressing
Palestinian experiences under occupation.
Israeli police arrived shortly after the event began, citing
a court order obtained by the Culture Ministry. Officers ordered the projection
halted and escorted approximately 50 attendees outside. No arrests occurred,
though festival director Noor Abu Ara said police confiscated promotional
materials.
Culture Minister Miki Zohar announced the shutdown earlier
that day, stating the event lacked proper permits and promoted
"incitement." Jerusalem Municipality officials supported the
decision, referencing prior complaints about festival posters.
The Cinematheque management complied, issuing a statement
expressing regret but adherence to legal directives. Remaining screenings
scheduled for the week were cancelled.
Statements from Arab Directors and Filmmakers
Prominent Arab filmmakers issued joint statements condemning
the shutdown. Egyptian director Nadine Labaki called it "a blatant attack
on artistic freedom," noting the films depicted everyday Palestinian life.
Lebanese director Nadine Kassabieh, whose short featured in
the programme, described the action as "cultural erasure." Jordanian
director Mahmoud al Massad urged international film bodies to respond.
Palestinian director Elia Suleiman tweeted support for
organisers, stating Jerusalem screenings historically faced barriers. A
petition by Arab cinema professionals gathered 2,000 signatures within hours,
demanding the festival's reinstatement.
Israeli filmmaker Avi Nesher distanced himself, affirming
cultural venues must follow regulations. Cinematheque director Gabrielle Selig
expressed disappointment over lost programming.
Background to Palestine 36 Festival and Permissions
Palestine 36 launched in 2019, screening across Ramallah, Haifa, and occasionally Jerusalem. The 2026 edition featured 36 films under 36 minutes each, selected from 200 submissions. Themes included family, displacement, and identity, with no political content flagged by organisers.
Applications for Jerusalem permits were submitted in
December 2025 to the Culture Ministry and police. Approval delays prompted a
temporary venue booking at the Cinematheque, which hosted similar events
previously.
Local residents near the venue submitted 20 complaints last
week, alleging posters glorified violence. Jerusalem District Court issued an
interim injunction on 28 January following ministry petition.
Israeli law requires permits for public cultural events over
50 attendees, with additional scrutiny for Palestinian-led initiatives since
2022 security guidelines.
Official Justifications and Legal Proceedings
Culture Ministry spokesperson stated Palestine 36 violated
the 1981 Nakba Law by commemorating events deemed historical disputes. Police
cited potential for unrest near East Jerusalem neighbourhoods.
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara reviewed the case
overnight, authorising police action under public order statutes. No appeal
hearing scheduled as of 30 January.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the
shutdown, linking it to broader efforts against "hostile cultural
activities." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office noted ongoing war
context.
Organisers filed an urgent petition to the Supreme Court,
arguing free speech protections under Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty.
International Reactions to the Cultural Shutdown
The International Federation of Film Critics issued a
statement supporting Palestine 36, calling for dialogue over bans. Cannes Film
Festival director Thierry Frémaux expressed solidarity with Arab colleagues.
European Film Academy urged Israeli authorities to
reconsider, citing cultural exchange importance. UN Special Rapporteur on
Cultural Rights Alexandra Xanthaki noted the incident amid monitoring Jerusalem
events.
Qatari-owned Al Jazeera covered the shutdown live,
interviewing displaced attendees. US State Department spokesperson called for
balanced application of assembly rights.
Arab League cultural ministers planned a virtual meeting to
discuss responses, including festival boycotts.
Context of Cultural Restrictions in Jerusalem
Jerusalem hosts mixed audiences for cultural events, with East Jerusalem Palestinians facing permit hurdles since 1967. Cinematheque screenings of Palestinian films occurred uninterrupted from 2015-2023.
2024 saw closures of two Haifa theatre productions deemed
political. Khan al-Majlis cultural centre in East Jerusalem shuttered in 2023
over tax disputes.
Israeli Culture Ministry budget excludes funding for
Arab-language productions since 2025, redirecting to Jewish heritage sites.
Palestinian cultural NGOs report 40 event cancellations last year.
Festival Content and Filmmaker Profiles
Films included "Return Ticket" by director Muayad
Alayan, depicting a Gaza family's reunion dream. "Olive Roots" by
Bethlehem filmmaker showcased agricultural traditions.
Directors hailed from Ramallah, Nablus, Gaza, and diaspora
communities in Europe. Budget funded by private donors and Palestinian
Authority cultural grants.
Previous editions screened internationally in Berlin,
Toronto, and Doha. 2025 Jerusalem event drew 300 attendees without incident.
Impact on Jerusalem's Cultural Scene
Cinematheque cancelled three Arab film series post-incident,
rescheduling Israeli productions. Audience members received refunds, with calls
for alternative venues.
Local Palestinian cultural groups shifted to private
screenings in East Jerusalem homes. Al-Haq Foundation vowed continuation
despite obstacles.
Israeli arts community split: Tel Aviv Cinematheque offered
hosting, while Jerusalem artists petitioned against politicisation.
Abraham Initiatives, promoting Arab-Jewish coexistence,
mediated between parties without resolution.
Historical Precedents for Event Shutdowns
2018 Haaretz Theatre Festival faced cancellation over
Palestinian performer inclusion. 2021 Jerusalem Film Festival altered programme
amid security alerts.
2016 Al-Midan Theatre raid in Haifa followed similar permit
disputes. Supreme Court overturned three closures since 2020 on free expression
grounds.
Culture Ministry data shows 15 Palestinian events denied
permits in 2025 versus 200 approved Israeli-led equivalents.
Future Plans for Palestine 36 Continuation
Organisers
announced virtual screenings on 1 February via YouTube, geo-blocked outside
Israel-Palestine. West Bank venues confirmed for uninterrupted programme.
Filmmakers planned a solidarity screening in Ramallah on 31
January, inviting Jerusalem attendees. International tour submissions sent to
20 festivals.
Al-Haq legal team pursues compensation for losses estimated
at 50,000 shekels. Coalition with Israeli human rights groups prepares amicus
brief.
Jerusalem Cinematheque board meets next week to review policy on controversial programming.