Memory is an act of presence.

On May 15, we gather at the Palestine Pavilion for a solemn vigil marking  Nakba Day — a moment of silence to remember lives shaped by genocide, exile, loss, longing, and perseverance. We hold close the people of Gaza, their martyred children, women, and men, whose enduring spirit calls us to witness, to feel, and to imagine a different future to the ongoing suffering in all parts of Palestine.

Presented by Arab Cinema Center in Collaboration with Palestine Film Institute

Main Stage (Riviera) & Online

Palestinian cinema has been in existence since at least 1935 - a long history intertwined with Palestine’s own struggles over identity and borders. So often it has been the mirror through which the world sees Palestine. But can cinema really make a difference in global understanding ? And what are the marketing strategies for films made at a time of such polarizing opinions ?

#HereThereAndForever

The Palestine Film Institute warmly invites members of the press to join us at the Pavilion for a conversation with the organizers of  THE PALESTINE PAVILION. This gathering is an opportunity to learn more about the vision, collaborators, and creative spirit that brought the Pavilion to be at Cannes. At a time when Palestinian presence itself is an act of resilience, we welcome you, to connect with us, hear our stories, and explore how Palestinian cinema continues to imagine, endure, and inspire.

We are proud and grateful for the International Emerging Film Talent Association (IEFTA) for hosting this event (https://www.iefta.org/ )

Behind every powerful story is a producer who helps shepherd  it into the world. We warmly invite you to meet with the Palestinian cohort of this year’s Producers’ Network at the Palestine Pavillion. Jiris Copti,  Sarah Mowaswes , May Jabareen and Said Zagha are four promising and talented Palestinian producers whose projects shimmer with creativity,  resilience, and determination.

We invite you to meet them, learn about their upcoming projects, and to join us in supporting, amplifying, and collaborating with the next generation of Palestinian producers.

#HereThereAndForever

The Palestine Film Institute warmly invites members of the press to join us at the Pavilion for a conversation with the organizers of  THE PALESTINE PAVILION. This gathering is an opportunity to learn more about the vision, collaborators, and creative spirit that brought the Pavilion to be at Cannes. At a time when Palestinian presence itself is an act of resilience, we welcome you, to connect with us, hear our stories, and explore how Palestinian cinema continues to imagine, endure, and inspire.

At a time when independent cinema remains one of the last frontiers for free expression, we gather to spotlight the vital role of alternative film screens in preserving and promoting Palestinian narratives. These spaces offer crucial platforms for Palestinian and Arab films to be seen, discussed, and celebrated beyond mainstream channels. As cultural production faces mounting pressures, independent screens represent not only a logistical solution but a political and artistic imperative.

Building bridges through cinema — connecting Palestinian and Swiss creative voices.

The Palestine Pavilion is proud to present the Swiss Producers Reception, hosted  by AKKA Films and Cinéforom. This gathering brings together distinguished Swiss producers and emerging Palestinian filmmakers, producers, and film professionals for an afternoon of dialogue, connection, and creative exchange. Swiss cinema’s long-standing commitment to independent voices meets the urgency and vision of Palestinian storytelling — creating opportunities for co-production, mentorship, and new creative pathways.

#HereThereAndForever

The Palestine Film Institute warmly invites members of the press to join us at the Pavilion for a conversation with the organizers of  THE PALESTINE PAVILION. This gathering is an opportunity to learn more about the vision, collaborators, and creative spirit that brought the Pavilion to be at Cannes. At a time when Palestinian presence itself is an act of resilience, we welcome you, to connect with us, hear our stories, and explore how Palestinian cinema continues to imagine, endure, and inspire.

Join us at the Palestine Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival this year for an exceptional meeting with the Masharawi Fund www.masharawifilms.org and some of our partners and friends, to discuss a unique and inspiring cinematic endeavor born from the heart of war, from the ground zero in Gaza.

#HereThereAndForever

The Palestine Film Institute warmly invites members of the press to join us at the Pavilion for a conversation with the organizers of  THE PALESTINE PAVILION. This gathering is an opportunity to learn more about the vision, collaborators, and creative spirit that brought the Pavilion to be at Cannes. At a time when Palestinian presence itself is an act of resilience, we welcome you, to connect with us, hear our stories, and explore how Palestinian cinema continues to imagine, endure, and inspire.

Presented in partnership with Cannes Docs, the Palestine Showcase presents four feature documentaries in progress, providing filmmakers with a unique opportunity to share their work in progress with the global film community. These projects were selected by an independent international jury, have received bespoke mentorship by PFI industry consultants and are supported to access the festival through accreditation and travel stipends. We invite decision makers across the film industry to join us in creating a space to support and amplify Palestinian voices by joining the 2025 Palestine Showcase at Cannes Docs.

On the day of the Palestine showcase you are invited to attend the Meet the Teams Cocktail, hosted by the presenting partners of the two showcases of the day (Chile & Palestine). It will take place from 1 to 2 pm at The Viewpoint (Lérins). It will be attended by some of the industry professionals who participated in the morning's showcases. It is an opportunity to network and discuss your projects with them.

“From Ground Zero +” will consist of eight short documentaries, each ranging between 20 to 30 minutes, and two feature-length documentaries. . Each film can also be shown individually. This approach allows for the presentation of diverse perspectives and the innovation of different production and filming methods, often extending over longer periods and covering various locations throughout the Gaza Strip.

It is with great pride that the Palestine Film Institute, together with its founding partners — the IDFA Bertha Fund, IMS – International Media Support, and AFAC – Arab Fund for Arts and Culture — announces the official launch of the PFI Film Fund.

This fund marks a new chapter in supporting Palestinian cinema — one rooted in resistance, imagination, and collective empowerment.

#HereThereAndForever

The Palestine Film Institute warmly invites members of the press to join us at the Pavilion for a conversation with the organizers of  THE PALESTINE PAVILION. This gathering is an opportunity to learn more about the vision, collaborators, and creative spirit that brought the Pavilion to be at Cannes. At a time when Palestinian presence itself is an act of resilience, we welcome you, to connect with us, hear our stories, and explore how Palestinian cinema continues to imagine, endure, and inspire.

Join us at the Palestine Pavilion for a special conversation with the filmmaking team behind Once Upon a Time in Gaza, including much celebrated director duo Arab and Tarzan Nasser—twin brothers from Gaza who return to Cannes with a powerful new picture.
Arab and Tarzan’s films—including and the Cannes Competition premiering Condom Lead (2013), Dégradé (2015) and Gaza Mon Amour (2020) illuminate everyday life in Gaza, weaving stories of love, survival, and longing amid impossible circumstances with tenderness and bold cinematic style. 

The Palestine Pavilion is honored to welcome the French General Consulate in Jerusalem for a special reception bringing together Palestinian and French producers and film professionals.
This gathering offers a space for meaningful dialogue, creative exchange, and the forging of new relationships between two vibrant cinematic communities.

Concluding the Palestine Pavilion’s events this year, we will celebrate the Palestine Works-In-Progress presented at Cannes Docs, with awards presented by Watermelon Pictures and FilmLab Palestine. This will be followed by a musical performance with special guests.