The time has come for the Palestinian Independent Film Festival (PIFF) to return to Limassol, but also to Chania, Crete. From June 13 to 15, powerful films that tell different tales of the Palestinian reality will be screened.

“This year’s edition is more urgent and meaningful than ever,” say organisers. “In the face of the ongoing catastrophic events in Gaza, the widening repression across the West Bank, and the continued erasure of Palestinian life and memory, PIFF stands as a cultural response — an act of resistance, remembrance and collective truth-telling.”

The second edition will be shorter than last year’s but more focused, featuring four films that recount the story of Palestine from different angles. The 2025 programme highlights narratives from Gaza, the West Bank and the occupied 1948 territories, exploring the realities, struggles and resistance of Palestinians across these regions.

All of the selected festival films are directed by Palestinian filmmakers, from within Palestine and the diaspora, sharing their truth through the power of cinema.

“This year’s festival is also a dedication to the life and work of artist Dorgham Qreiqe,” add organisers, “a courageous artist and humanitarian from Gaza. Dorgham devoted his final year to bringing light, joy and hope to children enduring unimaginable circumstances, organising film screenings, art workshops and theatre performances in refugee camps.

“He believed, as we do, in the power of art to heal, resist and envision a better future. On March 18, 2025, Dorgham was killed, along with almost his entire family, in an Israeli airstrike on their home in north Gaza. We followed his journey closely, supported him however we could, and now honour his life, his work and his unwavering spirit by dedicating this edition of the festival to him.”

Palestinian Independent Film Festival

2nd edition of film festival. June 13-15. Limassol, Cyprus and Chania, Crete, Greece. www.facebook.com/PiffLemesosCrete