Arab cinema is making waves at the 2026 Academy Awards with four standout submissions in the Best International Feature Film category. Films from Palestine, Sweden, Tunisia, and Jordan highlight diverse stories of history, struggle, and identity, submitted as of early September 2025, aiming for global recognition.
Overview of Arab Entries
These submissions come at a time when international films are gaining more spotlight, with the category drawing record entries worldwide. The Oscars, set for March 2026, renamed this award in 2020 to focus on global storytelling beyond language barriers.
The four films represent a mix of drama, thriller, and documentary styles, each tied to real-world events and cultural narratives. This year marks a milestone for Arabic-language films, including Sweden’s first-ever entry in Arabic.
Submissions reflect broader trends in Arab filmmaking, where directors tackle themes like displacement and resistance amid ongoing regional conflicts. Experts note that such films often spark discussions on global platforms, boosting visibility for underrepresented voices.
Palestine’s Bold Choice: Palestine 36
Palestine has selected “Palestine 36,” a period drama directed by Annemarie Jacir, as its official entry. The film explores the 1936 Arab revolt against British rule, following a young man’s journey through uprising and personal growth.
Originally planned for filming in Palestinian territories, production moved to Jordan due to recent conflicts, highlighting real-world challenges in cinema. The movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025 and has already secured U.S. distribution.
Jacir, known for works like “Salt of This Sea,” brings her signature focus on Palestinian history. Critics praise the film’s authentic portrayal of resilience, drawing parallels to current events in the region.
“Palestine 36” joins 17 previous Palestinian submissions since 2003, none of which have won, but it aims to break through with its timely narrative.
Sweden’s Historic Arabic Submission
Sweden breaks new ground by submitting “Eagles of the Republic,” an Arabic-language thriller directed by Tarik Saleh. This marks the first time an Arabic film represents the country at the Oscars.
The story follows a famous Egyptian actor forced into a propaganda film by government officials, exploring themes of power and manipulation. It premiered at Cannes in May 2025 and later at Toronto, earning buzz for its sharp critique.
Saleh, born to a Swedish mother and Egyptian father, completes his Cairo trilogy with this film, following “The Nile Hilton Incident” and “Boy from Heaven.” His work often examines authority without direct political agendas.
- Key cast includes Fares Fares in the lead role.
- The film blends suspense with cultural insights, appealing to international audiences.
- Production involved teams from multiple countries, showcasing global collaboration.
Sweden has a strong Oscars history with 16 nominations and three wins, but this entry adds a fresh multicultural layer.
Tunisia’s Emotional Documentary: Voice of Hind Rajab
Tunisia enters “Voice of Hind Rajab,” a documentary that captures a young girl’s story amid conflict, directed by a team focused on human rights. The film uses real audio and footage to highlight personal impacts of war.
It stands out for its raw, unfiltered approach, drawing from events in Gaza and broader Arab experiences. Submitted in late August 2025, it joins Tunisia’s list of entries since the 1990s, though the country has yet to secure a nomination.
The documentary has sparked conversations on social media, with viewers praising its emotional depth. It ties into recent global calls for awareness on humanitarian issues.
Tunisia’s film industry has grown, with past submissions like “The Man Who Sold His Skin” earning a nomination in 2021. This entry continues that momentum.
| Film Title | Director | Key Theme | Premiere Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voice of Hind Rajab | Various | Human rights in conflict | Not yet premiered widely |
| Eagles of the Republic | Tarik Saleh | Power and propaganda | Cannes 2025 |
| Palestine 36 | Annemarie Jacir | Historical revolt | TIFF 2025 |
| All That’s Left of You | Cherien Dabis | Family displacement | Sundance 2025 |
Jordan’s Multi-Generational Drama
Jordan submits “All That’s Left of You,” directed by Cherien Dabis, a story spanning decades of a Palestinian family’s displacement starting in 1948. The film features Dabis herself alongside Saleh Bakri and others.
Premiered at Sundance in 2025, it relocated filming to Cyprus, Greece, and Jordan due to regional unrest. This is Jordan’s ninth submission, building on a growing presence in international awards.
Dabis, with credits in TV shows like “Ozark,” brings a personal touch as a Palestinian-American filmmaker. The movie examines loss and hope, resonating with audiences facing similar stories today.
Road to the 2026 Oscars
The submission deadline is October 1, 2025, with shortlists announced in December. A record 90-plus countries are expected to enter, making competition fierce.
Arab films have seen success before, like Lebanon’s “Capernaum” nomination in 2019. These entries could highlight Middle Eastern cinema if they advance.
Voters will select based on storytelling quality and cultural impact. Past winners show that emotional, timely films often prevail.
Share your thoughts on these films in the comments below, and spread the word to support Arab cinema on the global stage.
