Welcome to the Houston Palestine Film Festival

🎟️ Tickets Now Available

Message from the President
19th Annual Houston Palestine Film Festival

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Community Members,

It is my honor to invite you to the 19th Annual Houston Palestine Film Festival, taking place May 1–3, 2026 at Rice Cinema.

For nearly two decades, the Houston Palestine Film Festival has stood as a platform for storytelling that matters—stories that preserve culture, amplify voices, and foster understanding. As we enter our 19th year, we continue to build on this legacy by bringing powerful Palestinian narratives to the heart of Houston.

This year’s festival will feature a compelling lineup of films, filmmaker conversations, and community-driven programming that reflects the resilience, creativity, and richness of Palestinian life and identity. Beyond the screen, HPFF remains committed to creating space for dialogue, education, and meaningful cultural exchange.

As President of the Houston Palestine Film Festival, I write with a heavy heart on the passing of Mohammad Bakri—a pilar of palestinian cinema whose voice and vision shaped generations of storytellers and audiences alike. Mohammad Bakri was not only an extraordinary actor, but a courageous artist who carried the truth of his people with unwavering dignity. Through powerful works such as “Laila’s Birthday”, “Wajib”, his fearless documentary “Jenin, Jenin”, and his latest “All That’s Left of You”, he transformed film into a vessel of memory, resilience, and humanity. His legacy aligns deeply with our mission—to honor stories that must be seen and voices that must be heard.

In tribute to his enduring impact, the Houston Palestine Film Festival is dedicating this year’s festival to his memory. While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life devoted to truth and artistic excellence. His spirit will forever live on through the stories he told and the countless lives he touched.

Our vision continues to be forward-looking: expanding access, deepening community partnerships, and elevating the festival experience for both returning audiences and new generations.

We invite you to join us for three days of cinema, connection, and shared experience.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership, see y’all soon!.

With gratitude and anticipation,
Ahmad Ghoneim
President, Houston Palestine Film Festival

📍 Venue Information

All screenings will take place at:
🎬 Rice Cinema, Sarofim Hall – Rice University

• Access campus through Entrance 8 (University Blvd & Stockton St) — closest to the venue and visitor parking

• Note: The building may not appear easily on maps; please use the direct link below

🔗 Rice Cinema location:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UfyLHwjgDFjs9WU76

🚗 Nearby parking:

• West Lot 4: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fpRBJ4B7VLMSpxcJ7

• West Lot 5: https://maps.app.goo.gl/g3LKiQ5ExX5qPAKP7

🚗 Alternative parking:

• Greenbriar Lot (up to $3/day):
  https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gq6kwTN4cR36mVKs5

🗺️ Campus map:
https://www.rice.edu/campus-maps

🚪 Doors open 30 minutes before each screening

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