Movie spotlight
In her early twenties, Hiam Abbass left her native Palestinian village to follow her dream of becoming an actress in Europe, leaving behind her mother, grandmother, and seven sisters. Thirty years later, her filmmaker daughter Lina returns with her to the village and questions for the first time her mother’s bold choices, her chosen exile and the way the women in their family influenced both their lives.
Filmmaker Lina Soualem returns to her ancestral village in Palestine, a place her mother and grandmother left behind generations ago. Through archival footage and intimate conversations, she explores the complex history of her family and the impact of displacement and exile on Palestinian women. The film weaves together personal memory, collective history, and the enduring connection to homeland.
Bye Bye Tiberias has been critically acclaimed for its deeply personal and politically resonant exploration of Palestinian identity and memory. Reviewers have praised its sensitive direction, intimate storytelling, and its powerful portrayal of intergenerational experiences of displacement. It has been recognized for its contribution to understanding the Palestinian diaspora and the resilience of its people.
A poignant and powerful documentary that beautifully captures the echoes of memory and displacement.
Hiam Abbass delivers a compelling and moving performance, anchoring the film with her presence.
An essential watch for understanding Palestinian history and the enduring strength of its women.
Google audience: Audiences have lauded "Bye Bye Tiberias" for its emotional depth and historical significance. Many viewers found the film to be a moving and insightful look into Palestinian family history and the collective experience of displacement. The personal narrative is frequently cited as being particularly resonant and beautifully told.
Nominated for the Golden Eye at the Zurich Film Festival, Grand Prize at the Cinéma du Réel Festival, and Best Documentary at the Cairo International Film Festival.
The film uses a mix of personal archives, family photos, and contemporary footage to reconstruct the fragmented memories of displacement across multiple generations of Palestinian women.
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Memorializing one’s family history is an exercise that can provide a valuable record of our relatives’ past and establish the legacy that has carried through the years to the present day. It can also teach us much about what distinguishes o...