Event Overview
TIFF is hosting the seventeenth annual Palestine Film Festival. The event is running both in person and online from September twenty-third through October second. Organisers have stated they are seeing an increase in ticket sales due to growing public interest, adding that many of the in-person screenings are selling out. Currently, the festival is screening 30 films across all seven days.
The event is not limited to movie screenings, there are a variety of engaging activities hosted in the lobby of the TIFF Bell Lightbox. These activities span across a wide range of interest and abilities. There is a resource table full of educational material for those interested in learning more about the history and politics of Palestine. For families there is an interactive art installation where guests can contribute a paper poppy for peace or create wearable forms of protest such as buttons. For guests looking to spread awareness about the event there is a photo booth with custom protest signs to pose with and an art gallery with paintings and installations to take photos of.
On Saturday, I watched a film called *Spaces of Exception* by Matt Peterson and Malek Ramsey. The documentary centred around Palestinian and Native voices across the US and Middle East. The film used interviews and graphic visuals of suffering and joy to tell a complex, interwoven story about the history of the different lands and their people. Much of the main subject matter was dark and featured depictions of war, substance abuse, and violence. Despite this, children are welcomed but, parental discretion is advised.
There were multiple non-affiliated pro-Palestine protests taking place on King Street, just blocks away from the event, highlighting the relevance of the festival. Although, the King Street protest was in support of Palestine, an organiser commented on the rise of counter-protests the film festival has been facing, stating that “the community is strong and will persevere.” Similar events are happening across Canada and serve as a reminder that the issues this festival aims to address impact a global community on both sides of the political spectrum.
As the conflict in the Middle East grows, so does the public's thirst for knowledge and insight into the rich and multifaceted history of the ongoing war. For those wanting to learn about all aspects of this conflict The Toronto Jewish Film Festival. TJFF organisation holds independent movie screenings year-round, including a high holiday screening of *Good People* taking place on October ninth at the Young and Varsity Cineplex VIP lounge.
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