Janine GriffithsThe acclaimed Leeds Palestinian Film Festival (LPFF) returns for its 11th edition from November 12 to December 6, 2025, presenting over three weeks of powerful cinema and cultural events at iconic venues across the city.
The festival will showcase the richness, diversity, and resilience of Palestinian culture through a compelling lineup of feature films, documentaries, and short films. Screenings and discussions will be held at 10 venues, including the Hyde Park Picture House, Mill Hill Chapel, the University of Leeds, and Otley Courthouse, among others.
This year’s program features several highlights:
- Opening Film: The festival launches on November 12 at Hyde Park Picture House with Yalla Parkour, in partnership with Leeds International Film Festival.
- Centerpiece Premiere: An exclusive Leeds premiere of Palestine 36, Palestine’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film at the Oscars, on November 20.
- Focus on Gazan Voices: A special series of new films made by Gazan women, presented as part of the Gaza International Festival for Women’s Cinema.
Richard Burgon, MP for Leeds East, said: “The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival is sadly more important than ever, as we witness the horrific plight of the Palestinian people in both Gaza and the West Bank. I pay tribute to the organisers as it has helped raise awareness across our city and in fostering bonds of shared humanity – bonds that are essential in today’s world, which so desperately needs peace, justice, and hope for a better future.”
The festival aims to provide a platform for Palestinian voices and stories, offering a mix of emerging and established filmmakers. It is described as a vital space for community, discussion, and cultural exchange. Full programme details, venues and ticket information are available on the festival’s website: leedspff.org.uk
Festival Dates: 12 November – 6 December 2025
Venues: Hyde Park Picture House, Seven Arts, Mill Hill Chapel, St Luke’s Cares, Heart in Headingley, All Hallows, St Chad’s, Otley Courthouse, Quaker Meeting House, and the University of Leeds.
Support independent community journalism!
East Side Story covers the people, places and stories in Leeds that are too often overlooked. While national headlines chase conflict and clickbait, we focus on real communities and the issues shaping daily life in East Leeds.
Divisive content, AI noise and online rumours spread faster than ever. At the same time, many mainstream outlets are stretched and rarely spotlight the community organisations and local champions who deserve recognition.
East Side Story was created to change that. We answer only to our readers. We have no corporate owners or billionaire funders. Our journalists report freely, ask difficult questions and hold power to account.
Your support helps us keep this work going. Monthly contributions make the biggest impact because they allow us to invest in deeper reporting and fearless local journalism.
Supporters also receive exclusive updates, behind the scenes insights and other benefits as a thank you for keeping independent journalism alive.
