Habibi Hussein

A heartfelt encounter with the projectionist of Cinema Jenin, the theatre being rebuilt in Palestine. Thanks to Western generosity, it turns into a reflection on cultural colonialism.

Hussein Darby has worked as a cinema projectionist in Palestine’s Cinema Jenin for more than 40 years. He knows every lens, every tiny detail of the machine and merely by its sound knows exactly which part needs fixing. One day, a German NGO shows up armed with a heroic wish to rebuild and revive the old cinema theatre. Their biggest challenge – getting a carbon-arc projector going again. Hussein can help them. But the Germans don’t want to give away the ‘saviour’ title so easily.

Vain dreams remain vapid, when the renovated cinema theatre is left with nothing but the new equipment. A cautionary tale about cultural colonialism that serves as an allegory for much more than just cinema.

„Alex Bakri, with impressive experience in film, makes his directorial debut and presents one of the most touching stories of the year. The film’s original cinematic language makes you fall in love with the protagonist, Hussein, from the very first frame – he instantly feels familiar. He stands in stark contrast to the foreign „do-gooders“ and their intentions. It’s an incredibly important Palestinian perspective – one that, I believe, changes how we view certain narratives in the Western world.“ – Eva Sinicaitė, curator of the Emerging Filmmakers Competition programme.

Cairo International Film Festival 2025 — Shadi Abdel Salam Award
Amman International Film Festival 2026 — Black Iris Award for Best Arab Documentary Film
International Film Festival Rotterdam 2026
Malmö Arab Film Festival 2026 — Special Mention