Dive into the enchanting world of fantasy films set in Palestine, where ancient tales and modern storytelling intertwine to create a tapestry of magic, history, and cultural richness. This collection not only entertains but also provides a window into the soul of Palestine, showcasing its landscapes, folklore, and the resilience of its people through the lens of fantasy. Whether you're a fan of epic sagas, mystical adventures, or tales of love and loss, these films will transport you to a Palestine that exists in the realm of imagination.
The Time That Remains (2009)
Description: While not strictly a fantasy, this film by Elia Suleiman uses a surreal, almost dreamlike narrative to explore the history of Palestine from 1948 to the present day. Its inclusion in this list is due to its unique storytelling that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, offering a poetic reflection on Palestinian identity.
Fact: The film is semi-autobiographical, reflecting Suleiman's own experiences and family history. It was selected as the Palestinian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards.
Watch Now 
Laila's Birthday (2008)
Description: While primarily a drama, "Laila's Birthday" includes surreal elements as a judge in Ramallah spends his daughter's birthday dealing with the absurdities of daily life, creating a narrative that feels like a waking dream.
Fact: The film was Palestine's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 81st Academy Awards.
Watch Now 
The Idol (2015)
Description: This film tells the story of a young Palestinian singer who becomes a symbol of resistance. While grounded in reality, the film's narrative has a fairy-tale quality, with the protagonist's journey mirroring the mythical rise of a hero in a land of struggle and hope.
Fact: "The Idol" was selected as the Palestinian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards, making history as the first Palestinian film to be submitted for the Oscars.
Watch Now 
Salt of This Sea (2008)
Description: This film follows a Palestinian-American woman's journey to reclaim her family's property in Palestine. The narrative weaves elements of fantasy through its portrayal of her quest as a modern-day odyssey, filled with symbolic and dreamlike sequences.
Fact: It was the first feature film directed by a Palestinian woman, Annemarie Jacir, to be selected for the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival.
30 Days Free 
The Wanted 18 (2014)
Description: This animated documentary tells the true story of a Palestinian village's attempt to buy 18 cows, which becomes a symbol of resistance. The film's use of animation and storytelling techniques gives it a fantastical edge, making it a unique entry in this collection.
Fact: It was nominated for the Best Documentary Feature at the 88th Academy Awards.
30 Days Free 
Wajib (2017)
Description: Although primarily a drama, "Wajib" includes elements of magical realism, where the act of delivering wedding invitations becomes a journey through time, memory, and the fantastical aspects of family dynamics in Palestinian society.
Fact: The film was directed by Annemarie Jacir, who became the first Palestinian woman to have a film in competition at the Venice Film Festival.
30 Days Free 
It Must Be Heaven (2019)
Description: Elia Suleiman's latest work, "It Must Be Heaven," follows a Palestinian filmmaker as he searches for a new home, blending reality with surreal elements. The film's fantasy elements come from its dreamlike sequences and the way it portrays the universal quest for identity and belonging.
Fact: The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019, where it was nominated for the Palme d'Or. It also won the FIPRESCI Prize.
30 Days Free 
The Olive Harvest (2003)
Description: This film blends elements of romance and fantasy as it explores the lives of a Palestinian family during the olive harvest, a time steeped in tradition and folklore, where the land itself seems to come alive with stories and spirits.
Fact: The film was directed by Hanna Elias, who also starred in it, making it a deeply personal project.
30 Days Free The Mountain (2011)
Description: This film tells the story of a Palestinian family living in a house on a mountain, where the landscape itself becomes a character, imbued with magical realism and the fantastical elements of folklore.
Fact: It was directed by Ya'rub Qudsi, who also wrote the screenplay, bringing a personal touch to the narrative.
30 Days Free The Last Friday (2011)
Description: This film explores the lives of a Palestinian family during the last Friday of Ramadan, blending reality with dreamlike sequences that reflect the spiritual and cultural significance of the day, making it a fitting addition to this fantasy-themed collection.
Fact: The film was directed by Ahmed Habash, who aimed to capture the essence of Palestinian life through a day of celebration and reflection.
30 Days Free 
