In 1968 Mustafa Abu Ali, Hani Jawharieh, and Sulafa Jadallah (one of the first Palestinian camerawomen) founded The Palestine Film Unit and – over a number of years – produced several 16mm films which were inspired by and referenced anti-imperialist movements around the world, from Cuba to Vietnam and Angola. They processed the films themselves in a safe house, using a series of scenes shot without a script which could later be reused and reedited with voiceovers.  

Jean Pierre Olivier de Sardan’s newly discovered Palestine Will Win (1969) – thought until recently to have been lost – was inspired by this militant cinema movement and was made for international audiences to learn about the Palestinian liberation struggle.  

Voices from Gaza, Antonia’s Caccia and Maysoon Pachachi’s 1989 documentary about the First Intifada, is the first feature length documentary to be made after the outbreak of the uprising in Gaza in 1987. Adopting a totally different style, the documentary features Gazan men, women and children reflecting on their experiences in their own words. 

Together, the two films offer audiences an opportunity to reflect on the nature of solidarity and militancy in cinema today.  

Presented in collaboration with Sarha Collective and Majazz Project.
With an introduction by Nadia Yahlom & Mo’min Swaitat.

Palestine Will Win was rediscovered by audiovisual archivist Draye Wilson at the Third World Newsreel Archives.

This event is included in the Rich Mix Venue Pass. Pass holders can book a free ticket to this event and all other screenings and events taking place at Rich Mix as part of the festival. More information on the pass can be found here. 

Please see our Access page for more information regarding content warnings for this screening.