Filmmaker's Duty: Hiam Abbass on Erasing History

Palestinian actor Hiam Abbass recently reflected on her role in "Palestine 36," describing her participation as a "duty" to counter the erasure of Palestinian history. She highlighted the film's significance in documenting historical archives for future generations. The production of "Palestine 36" endured substantial challenges, including being postponed multiple times after conflict erupted on October 7, 2023. Initially planned for filming in Palestine, the set became a target, making it too risky to proceed.

The film's production was eventually relocated to Jordan, with shooting concluding in late 2024. Abbass described the logistical difficulties and the immense effort required to be on set, deeming the completion of the film a significant personal victory. Beyond her acting career, Abbass also shared insights into her directorial work, beginning with the short film "Le Pain" in 2001 and including "Inheritance" and work on "Ramy." She expressed that directing arose from a necessity to tell her own stories as a woman and mother, though she currently lacks the time for a feature film follow-up.