This program, including Q&A, is curated by Razan AlSalah and moderated by Yara Yuri Safaldi.
COWBOY (1973), directed by Sami Al-Salamoni, is a provocative experimental montage that reclaims and repurposes Hollywood footage to draw connections between the portrayal of Native Americans, the dispossession of Palestinians, and the cinematic representation of other genocides throughout history. Using deconstructed scenes from mainstream American films, Al-Salamoni critiques the settler colonial structures embedded within popular media and their capacity to frame acts of genocide. From an exploration of commercialized image production to an evocative call for transnational solidarity, new forms of image-making emerge.
BOTH, INSTRUMENT & SOUND (2024), directed by Sharlene Bamboat, immerses viewers in the life of Tony, an 80-year-old political activist whose work has spanned decades since the 1970s. This visually compelling documentary explores tension not only as a theme but as a form, capturing the power of solidarity and the intensity of collective struggle amid the rise of neoliberalism. The film’s crew plays an active role in creating this tension, experimenting with and remixing sounds to craft unique sonic interpretations. Through these innovative uses of sound art, the film challenges growing societal individualism, advocating instead for unity and shared resistance.
DISLOCATION BLUES (2017), directed by Sky Hopinka, poetically documents the 2016 Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Through intimate interviews and meditative imagery, the film offers incomplete and imperfect reflections from the encampment. Through experiences of protest that blend moments of solidarity, frustration, hope, and disillusionment, Hopinka creates a layered portrait of resistance and the emotional landscapes of those who stood on the front lines.
About the festival
The Palestinian Film Festival Amsterdam was born from a grassroots initiative with a commitment to centre Palestinian voices on a vibrant platform. Since 2015, the PFFA’s mission is to amplify the cinematographic storytelling and artistry of both emerging and veteran Palestinian directors.
Approaching its ninth year, the 2024 PFFA will be held at five Amsterdam cinemas from October 10-13. As we prepare for the upcoming edition, our dedication to preserve the only Palestinian film festival in the Benelux is stronger than ever. Alongside a diverse selection of films, featuring experimental shorts, drama features, documentaries and animations, the 2024 PFFA highlights Dissident Voices, with a special focus on Gaza and Queer Palestinian Cinema. As an extension of last year’s Nakba commemoration, this year’s artist talks and fringe events will reflect the current context that we find ourselves in.