A magnificent evening of film, music, and heritage spotlights the Palestinian right of return and cultural identity in the face of occupation and displacement.
Sydney proudly hosted the Al-Awda Film Festival in Bankstown theatre, an annual cultural event that brings Palestinian stories of resilience, identity, and the right of return to the heart of Australia. Organised by the Palestinian Film Forum in collaboration with the Palestinian Australians Welfare Association, the festival welcomed guests to an evening of moving cinema, folkloric music, and art installations—capturing the essence of Palestinian life and struggle.
This year’s program featured thought-provoking films by renowned directors such as Saud Muhanna and Yosef Khattab, each documenting the experiences of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. From depictions of life under occupation to the enduring hope of return, the selected films were evaluated by advisory, viewing, and arbitration committees based on their alignment with core themes such as resistance, identity, and displacement.
Sanaa Abu Khalil, Coordinator of the Festival and President of the Al-Awda Foundation for Culture and Arts emphasised the importance of this cultural work said “Our mission is to empower the Palestinian narrative and bring awareness to our rightful cause. Cinema is our bridge to the world—through it, we reclaim our voice.”
Moreover, Participants included performers like Maysa Madeen, who joined a group of musicians to present a Waslah of traditional Palestinian songs “Culture and art are part of our story and how we resist. Through music, we tell our truths and keep the dream of return alive,” Maysa said.
In addition to the Palestinian entrepreneur Etedal Alsaleh, the founder of Jollos Palestine, showcased handmade embroidered garments and traditional products from a Palestinian city named Al-Khalil says “It fills me with joy to see people here begin to recognise and embrace the richness of our heritage. It’s more than business—it’s our identity.”
Ahmad Alabadleh, a Palestinian from Gaza and now an Australian citizen, hosted the event and drew attention to the historical and ongoing displacement of Palestinians said
“The Nakba wasn’t a moment—it’s a continuing reality. Today we honour our past and affirm our right to return, as enshrined in international law.”
The festival had a spot collaboration from Sam Hoballah, a computer engineer and long-time assistant at the festival, reflected on the significance of cultural preservation. “Art and heritage are what unite us. When we speak through culture, we speak as one. That’s how we keep our roots alive, no matter where we are” Sam Said.
Now in its ninth year, the festival continues to grow in scope and impact, aiming to reach not only Palestinian communities but also the broader Australian public. All proceeds from ticket sales and donations will support festival costs and provide aid to Palestinian families in Gaza.
As Abu Khalil noted, the organisers are building partnerships with local institutions and hope to establish a permanent cultural hub in Australia. “We’ve begun engaging with community centers and government bodies. Our dream is to create a home for Palestinian art, culture, and education that lasts beyond the festival.”
The Al-Awda International Film Festival remains a testament to cultural resilience, proving that in the face of displacement, storytelling remains an act of defiance and hope.
