In these challenging times of war and genocide, the LEFFEST Lisboa film festival chose to honor the history, resilience, and contemporary creativity of Palestine. The festival served as a space for remembrance and reflection while showcasing the powerful work of Palestinian artists and intellectuals.

The program included screenings of several films and featured prominent guests such as Leila Shahid, Elias Sanbar, Simone Bitton, Elia Suleiman, Mariam Said, and Dima Mohammed. A night of poetry, moderated by Shahd Wadi, highlighted the voices of Palestinian poets, including readings from Mahmoud Darwish and Edward Said (read by his wife, Mariam Said), as well as works from the anthology If I Must Die – Poetry of Palestinian Resistance – 21st Century (Traça Edições).

The event also included two exhibitions:

‘In-Between’ by Gazan artist Khaled Jarada.

‘They Are Shooting at Our Shadows’ by Al-Haq’s Forensic Architecture Investigation Unit (FAI Unit).

The festival concluded with the Make Freedom Ring – Concert for Palestine, a benefit concert supporting Médecins Sans Frontières’ Regional Fund for the Occupied Palestinian Territory and neighboring countries.

This event highlights the crucial role of art in resistance, remembrance, and the ongoing fight for justice.

For more information on the work of the unit, contact the following email: [email protected]