Festival Programme 2022

An attorney from Arizona, a news publisher in Arkansas and a speech therapist in Texas launch legal battles when they are forced to choose between their jobs and their political beliefs.

Among the many gifts Jason Sherman received for his bar mitzvah was a tree planted in Israel. Now, 40 years later, Sherman begins his journey from Toronto to Tel Aviv, keen to see what has become of his tree. However, along the way he learns about the Jewish National Fund afforestation projects and the role of the Canadian Jewish diaspora in developing Canada Park, a 700-hectare Israeli national park which covers the remains of Palestinian villages. 

Stand Up for Palestine is a comedy night with the fabulous Mark Thomas, the wonderfully anarchic Nick Revell, the hilarious and biting Esther Manito and a new dark humour sketch, Gaza Taxi Driver, by Palestinian author Ahmed Masoud.

An evening of film dedicated to the brilliant musicians emerging from this scene, showcasing their music, perspectives and struggles as they celebrate life through their art and channel their drive for self-determination

Our shorts programme this year consists of seven films: By the Sea, The Living of the Pigeons, Mariam, TAQI, Night, Siri Miri and Wifi Rider.

From Chilean stadiums to Palestine refugee camps, from Santiago to Bethlehem. Spanning over 100 years of history, Cuatro Colores narrates the intertwining histories of the Club Deportivo Palestino (Palestinian Football Club) and key moments in the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Aldo Guerrero’s documentary reveals a story of injustice and abuse of war power with a legacy that is worldwide.

Waleed is a failing writer suffering from depression. He develops a friendship with his mysterious neighbour Jalal, a small-time crook, and subsequently finds his perception of life beginning to slowly change.

Fadia, a Palestinian refugee in Lebanon, challenges the film’s director, Sarah Beddington to find an ancient mulberry tree that stands as witness to her family’s existence. Along the way, Sarah meets with ornithologists whose observations on the homing instincts of the birds inadvertently reveal the unresolved problems of the region.

Staring actors Maisa Abd Elhadi and Ali Suliman, Huda’s Salon is a feminist thriller based on true events, about betrayal and loyalty when two women fight for their freedom.

For 11 days in May 2021, Gaza was bombed by Israel, resulting in more than 260 fatalities. This film portrays the individual loss and sorrow of families and friends who lost their children in the bombing. 

Three women with distinct personalities must put their differences aside and work together in order to survive, after a death in the family unravels their lives.

Among the many gifts Jason Sherman received for his bar mitzvah was a tree planted in Israel. Now, 40 years later, Sherman begins his journey from Toronto to Tel Aviv, keen to see what has become of his tree. However, along the way he learns about the Jewish National Fund afforestation projects and the role of the Canadian Jewish diaspora in developing Canada Park, a 700-hectare Israeli national park which covers the remains of Palestinian villages. 

Alam is a story of how a Palestinian teenager is no different from any other around the world embarking on new experiences, chasing dreams, love, and freedom.

Filmed over the span of eight years, The Devil’s Drivers follows two Bedouin drivers who risk their lives smuggling illegal workers out of the West Bank.