The film CINEMA JENIN tells the story of the re-opening of an old cinema in Jenin from the very first moment. It becomes a drawn-out process, as the German director at the center of his own story encounters complex cultural relationships and sentiments. Initially, he doesn't understand many Palestinian customs and he gets taken to task for it on several occasions. What's more, the involvement of foreign parties is a delicate issue for many Palestinians - especially when it comes to Israel. Although the new cinema is supposed to welcome everyone, the enterprise prompts reactions that reveal the painful nature of the relationship between Palestine and Israel. The word "peace" becomes extremely charged, and the initiators Ismael, Fakhri and Marcus have to take care that the social project doesn't turn into a political one. These and other problems need to be solved with the help of a few big names, lots of volunteers, and even more cigarettes. (IDFA)

Read more