12th Annual Palestine Film Festival to Spotlight Injustice and Resilience Amid Recent Gaza Ceasefire

As the world watches the aftermath of the recent Gaza ceasefire, the 12th Annual Palestine Film Festival returns to Trinity Presbyterian Church in Denton, TX, on January 24-25. 

The event, sponsored by People for Justice in Palestine, is free to the public and features Academy Award-short-listed films as well as thought-provoking speakers to foster awareness and dialogue. 

“This isn’t just about films; it’s about justice,” said Pastor Craig Hunter of Trinity Presbyterian Church, which has hosted the festival since its inception. “The ceasefire brings relief, but it’s not a permanent solution to the underlying injustices—land confiscation, apartheid, and human rights violations—enabled by our own nation. We’re here to educate, build solidarity, and remind people that this fight isn’t over.”

While the ceasefire in Gaza provides a momentary respite, Hunter cautioned against complacency. “It’s not a time to sit down. If anything, it’s a call to action.” 

Although Hunter is a Presbyterian pastor, he says he does not view the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as an issue of religious beliefs, but “about a structuring of power that benefits one group at the expense of another.” 

However, he believes American faith leaders have been complacent in the face of injustice. “I think most of the American church has either been a cheerleader of Israel during the genocide or has been basically silent and I would say neither one of those is a faithful Christian response and I don't think either one of those represents the gospel that some, including myself, try imperfectly to follow,” said Hunter. 

In 2020, the Trinity Presbyterian congregation was instrumental in passing a resolution on behalf of the US Presbyterian denomination, recognizing that Israel practices the crime of apartheid as defined in international law.  

The festival kicks off on Friday, January 24, at 6:30 PM with a screening of “Where Olive Trees Weep,” a deeply moving film exploring personal and collective grief under occupation. Saturday’s screenings include two Academy Award short-listed films: “From Ground Zero” at 2:30 PM and “No Other Land” at 7:00 PM, both highlighting resilience in the face of systemic injustice. 

“Art has the power to humanize the headlines,” said Elizabeth Rghebi, Amnesty International's Middle East Director, one of the event’s keynote speakers. “These films don’t just tell stories; they challenge the narratives that perpetuate oppression.” 

The festival also features discussions with prominent figures, including Georgia State Representative Ruwa Romman, a Palestinian-American advocate, and Elizabeth Rghebi. Their talks will delve into the intersection of human rights, U.S. foreign policy, and grassroots activism. 

“This isn’t just a Middle East issue,” Romman stated. “The structures of power and the complicity of nations like the United States in enabling oppression are global concerns.”

 For 12 years, the festival has served as a platform to elevate Palestinian voices and foster interfaith solidarity. 

“We can’t view this as merely a regional or faith-based conflict,” Hunter emphasized. “This is about systemic power imbalances that threaten justice everywhere.” 

The event will also offer a free Palestinian dinner on Saturday evening, allowing attendees to experience the culture through its cuisine. This blend of film, dialogue, and community underscores the festival’s mission to inspire change through education and connection. 

“This festival is a reminder that Palestinians are not alone,” Hunter said. “And neither are those who stand with them.”