Palestinian Film Festival returns with bold new cinema around Australia

Mark your calendars, film lovers. The 13th Palestinian Film Festival Australia is making its return from 1–11 May 2025, bringing an unmissable lineup of cinema that is as powerful as it is thought-provoking. Spanning five cities – Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Canberra – this year’s program promises an extraordinary exploration of resilience, love, and freedom in the face of war and dispossession, all through the lens of Palestinian storytelling. For over a decade, the Festival has been a beacon for creative and critical expression, and 2025 might just be its most ambitious year yet. With a captivating lineup of feature films, documentaries, and shorts, the Festival continues to elevate stories of Palestinian life and culture while connecting audiences in Australia to the depth and humanity so often overlooked. “This year’s program is guided by a deep emotional pulse,” says Festival Director Naser Shakhtour. “It’s about the power of Palestinian cinema to speak from the rubble, to conjure memory, and to imagine freedom. These films reflect not just the struggles, but the resilience, beauty, and strength of Palestinian culture.” Must-see feature films The 2025 program is filled with films that resonate long after the credits roll. Some of the highlights include: A showcase of documentaries The Festival also features boundary-pushing documentaries that highlight both personal and collective stories: A festival rooted in humanity Since its launch, the Palestinian Film Festival Australia has gone beyond being just a showcase for cinema. It’s a vital cultural platform celebrating Palestinian life and creativity while inviting Australian audiences into… Read More