The Embassy of Palestine hosted Palestine 36, a special film screening held in observance of Freedom Month in South Africa, as well as Palestinian Land Day and Prisoners’ Day. The event, hosted jointly with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, brought together diplomats, civil society leaders, and members of the public for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and solidarity.
A Powerful Opening Grounded in History and Solidarity
The formal programme preceding the screening set a deeply reflective tone for the evening. Chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, opened the session by welcoming attendees and contextualising the significance of Palestinian freedom within South Africa’s own liberation history.
She reflected on the longstanding solidarity between South Africans and Palestinians, recalling how Nelson Mandela had consistently supported the Palestinian cause. Drawing parallels to the apartheid era, she emphasised that the global community cannot remain passive in the face of ongoing suffering, calling for continued awareness and engagement.
Ambassador Hannah Jarrar’s Address: Land, Memory and Lived Reality
Ambassador Hanan Jarrar of Palestine to South Africa delivered remarks, introducing a visiting Palestinian delegation and providing deeper insight into the significance of both Land Day and Prisoners’ Day.
In her address, Ambassador Jarrar underscored that Palestine 36 is not merely a historical account, but a reflection of an enduring reality. She spoke candidly about the lived experiences of Palestinians, describing the centrality of land in the struggle and the ongoing challenges faced by communities navigating displacement, isolation, and violence.
She highlighted the profound human impact of detention practices, noting that a significant proportion of Palestinians have experienced arrest or detention. The Ambassador also criticised legislative developments in Israel, describing them as exacerbating already difficult conditions.
Importantly, she framed the evening as one of shared struggle and collective memory, emphasising that storytelling remains a powerful tool in preserving truth and shaping global understanding. “Stories matter,” she noted, as they document lived realities and affirm identity.
An Immersive Experience: From Gallery to Screen
Guests were welcomed into the Nelson Mandela Foundation through a curated gallery exhibition showcasing historic moments from both South Africa and Palestine. This visual journey reinforced the parallels between the two nations’ struggles, setting the stage for the screening.
The film itself, Palestine 36, was introduced through a note from its director, who described the project as deeply personal. The message emphasised that while individuals may not choose the realities they are born into, they retain the power to choose their response. The film stands as a tribute to resilience and a call to all who have ever claimed their freedom.
Why Palestine 36 Matters Today
The screening of Palestine 36 during Freedom Month in South Africa highlighted the enduring relevance of global solidarity movements. By connecting historical struggles with present-day realities, the event reinforced the importance of dialogue, cultural exchange, and international awareness.
As South Africa continues to reflect on its own journey to freedom, events such as this serve as a reminder that the pursuit of justice and dignity remains a shared global responsibility.
