The Teacher

Farah Nabulsi's 2024 film follows a Palestinian schoolteacher working in the West Bank. Basem takes a close interest in one of his pupils while also keeping up a commitment from his own past that puts his life at risk. The film carries three lines together: the relationship with the student, a closeness beginning with a British volunteer, and the situation of a captive soldier. The narrative brings them together at a single point of choice. Saleh Bakri leads. It is Nabulsi's first feature; the narrative proceeds through house demolitions, detentions and court hearings and takes an open position. Little room is given to the other side's view. Who it's for: those who follow Palestinian cinema and political drama. Who it's not for: viewers expecting an account from both sides; the film tells its story from one point of view and does not conceal it.