Janine GriffithsFrom powerful stories of survival in Gaza to Palestinian street art and exclusive film premieres, the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival returns this November with a packed programme celebrating Palestinian voices, culture and creativity.
Running from 13 November to 6 December, the festival will bring 11 events to nine venues across Leeds and Otley, featuring documentaries, feature films, poetry, live discussions and art.
Now in its 12th year, the festival takes inspiration from Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour’s words: “To make art is to say we are here.”
The festival opens at Hyde Park Picture House on Friday 13 November with Life Support, a documentary featuring first-hand accounts from British and international doctors who worked in Gaza following October 2023.
Other highlights include the UK premiere of Conversation with the Sea on 14 November and the Yorkshire premiere of Land of Canaan on 20 November, which follows Palestinian olive farmers whose produce reaches fair trade shops across Yorkshire.
On 3 December, Palestinian street artist Taqi Spateen returns to Leeds for a special evening at All Hallows Church, exploring the stories behind his work. Spateen previously painted a mural at East Street Arts in 2024.
The festival concludes on 6 December with Life From Death, a collection of short films created by women in Gaza who completed a nine-month filmmaking programme despite electricity shortages and limited equipment.
Festival Director Frances Bernstein said: “For Palestinians, making art is a way of saying we are still here, and each film in this programme is part of that. We want audiences in Leeds to come and hear those voices directly.”
Tickets cost between £4 and £10.50, with some events still awaiting ticket releases.
For tickets, event times and the full programme, visit: https://www.leedspff.org.uk/
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