On May 15, 2023, Palestinians solemnly marked the 75th anniversary of the Nakba, a catastrophic chapter synonymous with the forced expulsion of over 750,000 Palestinians from their homes and lands, eventually leading up to the creation of the apartheid state of Israel. The aftermath saw Palestinians seeking refuge in camps within the occupied West Bank, residing in exile in surrounding Arab nations, or facing the harsh realities of a blockaded Gaza.
The initial Nakba (which means “catastrophe”) in 1948 spanned nine-months to a year, resulting in the loss of over 16,000 lives. Fast forward to today, Gaza since Oct. 7 has witnessed a staggering death toll of over 21,000 lives in just over two-months. This ongoing tragedy is not an isolated incident; rather, it is the culmination of an unjust 75-year occupation relentlessly striving to erase Palestine.
Harnessing the power of film, below, we present a curated list of movies addressing the Nakba. We urge everyone to delve into these narratives to gain insight into the historical backdrop of the inhumane and unrelenting attacks transpiring today, not only in Gaza, but across Palestine.
Al Nakba by Rawan Damen, 2008
This Al Jazeera documentary series provides a comprehensive understanding by beginning its narrative almost 150-years before 1948, unraveling the colonization of Palestine. Thoroughly researched and engaging, it spans from 1799 to the great exodus of 1948.
The Time That Remains by Elia Suleiman, 2009
Elia Suleiman’s semi-autobiographical film creatively portrays events in Nazareth from 1948 to the present day. Despite tragic scenes, the film’s absurd and disarming style invites reflection on the injustices of the Nakba.
1948 by Mohammad Bakri, 1998
The film features testimonials from Nakba eyewitnesses, interweaving Mahmoud Darwish’s poetry and scenes from his one-man play. It highlights the role of literature, poetry, and art in Palestinians’ creative expression amid adversity.
Tantura by Alon Schwarz, 2022
Alon Schwarz unveils the horrifying events at Tantura, emphasizing the Israeli army’s role in driving out Palestinians. It serves as a powerful testament to the violence and brutality that occurred, shedding light on a history long denied and forgotten.
Farha by Darin J. Sallam, 2021
The film, based on a true story, follows a young girl in a Palestinian village in 1948. Despite efforts to ban it on Netflix, Farha stands as a must-watch, challenging the narrative and ensuring these stories are heard by millions worldwide.
Head image: Still from The Time That Remains
