This curated list of 10 biographical films about Palestine offers a unique window into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of individuals from this region. Each film provides a narrative that not only entertains but also educates viewers about the socio-political landscape of Palestine, its people, and their stories. These films are essential viewing for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Palestinian identity, history, and the ongoing quest for peace and justice.

Paradise Now (2005)
Description: This film delves into the lives of two Palestinian friends who are recruited for a suicide bombing mission, offering a nuanced look at the motivations behind such acts.
Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in


The Time That Remains (2009)
Description: Directed by Elia Suleiman, this semi-autobiographical film explores the life of a Palestinian family from 1948 to the present, reflecting on the impact of the Israeli occupation.
Fact: The film was selected as the Palestinian entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards.


Laila's Birthday (2008)
Description: A day in the life of a retired judge in Ramallah, showcasing the daily challenges and small victories of ordinary Palestinians.
Fact: The film was Palestine's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 82nd Academy Awards.


The Idol (2015)
Description: The true story of Mohammed Assaf, a Palestinian singer who won "Arab Idol" in 2013, showcasing the power of music to transcend conflict.
Fact: The film was Palestine's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards.


Divine Intervention (2002)
Description: A surreal and comedic look at the lives of Palestinians under occupation, focusing on a love story that transcends borders and checkpoints.
Fact: It won the Jury Prize at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival.


Salt of This Sea (2008)
Description: Follows Soraya, a Palestinian-American woman, as she travels to Palestine to reclaim her family's money, offering a personal perspective on the Palestinian diaspora.
Fact: This was the first feature film directed by Annemarie Jacir, a prominent Palestinian filmmaker.


Omar (2013)
Description: A gripping tale of a young Palestinian baker who becomes entangled in a web of betrayal and resistance, highlighting the personal costs of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Fact: It won the Jury Prize at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.


The Wanted 18 (2014)
Description: An animated documentary about a Palestinian village's attempt to buy cows to produce their own milk, leading to an absurd conflict with the Israeli authorities.
Fact: The film uses a mix of animation and real footage to tell its story.


5 Broken Cameras (2011)
Description: A documentary that chronicles the non-violent resistance of a Palestinian village against land confiscation, through the lens of five cameras destroyed in the process.
Fact: It was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 85th Academy Awards.


When I Saw You (2012)
Description: Set in 1967, this film follows a young boy who escapes from a refugee camp to find his father, capturing the spirit of resistance and hope.
Fact: It won the NETPAC Award at the Toronto International Film Festival.
