Drik Picture Library will launch its month-long Palestine Cinema Month programme on Monday at DrikPath Bhobon in the capital’s Panthapath, screening two documentaries as part of an international initiative promoting Palestinian cinema at 6PM.
According to a post on Drik’s official Facebook page, the opening programme will feature The Dream, directed by Mohammad Malas, and Gazawyat, directed by Khaled Tuaima.
Drik is joining the fourth edition of Palestine Cinema Days Around the World, an initiative organised by Filmlab Palestine that brings Palestinian films to audiences in more than 80 countries.
This year’s edition carries the theme ‘Cinema Across Borders. Stories Beyond Erasure’. Cinemas, cultural institutions, universities, independent collectives and grassroots organisers are participating by screening films that explore Palestinian experiences beyond mainstream news coverage.
Drik has participated in the initiative since its inception. The organisation is coordinating the opening screening with Filmlab Palestine and Palestine Cinema Days.
The programme will continue throughout November, with Drik screening one film every Saturday.
In a statement on this year’s edition, Filmlab Palestine called for an end to the genocide and occupation, the lifting of the siege, and the recognition of Palestinians’ freedom and right of return. It described these goals as political and humanitarian responsibilities that cannot be postponed.
The organisation also emphasised that solidarity must extend beyond cinema, including efforts to confront colonialism and racism and defend the freedom of oppressed people.
Drik said the programme aims to keep Palestinian stories alive, challenge the systems that sustain the occupation and encourage audiences to reflect on the meaning of solidarity.
