Leeds to Celebrate Palestinian Film and Culture with Three-Week Festival This Autumn

The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival proudly returns for its 11th edition, running from November 12 to December 6, 2025, at iconic venues across Leeds.

The festival continues its mission to celebrate the richness, diversity, and resilience of Palestinian culture through the transformative power of cinema. This year’s festival promises over three weeks of unflinching, thought-provoking storytelling — a cinematic journey that refuses to be silenced.

Screenings and events will take place across 10 venues, from the beloved Hyde Park Picture House to welcoming community spaces including Mill Hill Chapel, St Luke’s Cares, HEART in Headingley, All Hallows, St Chad’s, Otley Courthouse, the Quaker Meeting House, and the University of Leeds.

Through film, art, and discussion, audiences will encounter stories of resistance, identity, and unbreakable spirit, amplifying Palestinian voices and connecting communities across Leeds in solidarity and understanding.

Frances Bernstein, festival co-director said:

“While Palestine is regularly in the news, cinema offers us something deeper—the chance to truly understand the stories and connections behind the headlines. Our main highlight, the powerful new drama Palestine 36, provides compelling insights into historical events that continue to resonate today.

“The festival is much more than a series of film screenings; it’s a vital space for community, discussion, and cultural exchange. We invite the people of Leeds to come and explore, discuss, and be inspired by this year’s incredible lineup.”

Sir David Hare, playwright and screenwriter said:

“The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival has always been an outstanding event, throwing brilliant light on how Palestinians manage to continue their lives in such unique circumstances. Obviously, in 2025, the festival is more necessary, more urgent and more important than ever.”

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.”

Wendy Cook, Head of Cinema, Hyde Park Picture House said:

“Cinema’ is too big a world for our little Picture House to hold or know in its entirety, so we are thankful for specialists like our friends at Leeds Palestinian Film Festival who help shine a light on powerful and important stories which could too easily go unseen.”

A much-loved fixture in the city’s cultural calendar, the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival continues to provide a powerful platform for Palestinian voices, stories, and perspectives. This year’s programme promises to be as inspiring and thought-provoking as ever, featuring a dynamic mix of feature films, documentaries, shorts, and panel discussions that spotlight both emerging and established Palestinian filmmakers.

The festival opens on Wednesday, November 12, at the Hyde Park Picture House with the screening of Yalla Parkour, presented in partnership with Leeds International Film Festival. The momentum continues with the main highlight event on Thursday, November 20, at the same venue, featuring the exclusive Leeds premiere of Palestine 36 — Palestine’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars. Ahead of the screening, audiences will enjoy a captivating programme trailer, offering a glimpse of more than 10 must-see films that promise to challenge, inspire, and move viewers.

A particularly poignant highlight of the 2025 festival is a collection of new films created by Gazan women, showcased as part of the Gaza International Festival for Women’s Cinema. These powerful works offer an intimate, first-hand portrayal of life, creativity, and resilience through the eyes of women living in Gaza.

The full festival programme is now available online, including details on screenings, venues, and ticket purchases. Stay connected and follow the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram, or visit the official website for the latest news and updates.