Sunday, April 28, 3:30 p.m. | Thirty years ago, Palestinian actress Hiam Abbass (known for Succession as well as films like LEMON TREE and PARADISE NOW) left her village in Galilee to follow her dreams of acting in France. In this poignant portrait, both deeply personal and inescapably political, filmmaker Lina Soualem—who is also Abbas’ daughter—traces the story of her mother, her mother’s mother, and their extended family, all of whose lives have been defined by separation, exile, and displacement. Interwoven with nostalgic home video recordings and archival footage of Palestinian life through the decades, BYE BYE TIBERIAS is a memoir about the burden of leaving, the endurance of memory, and the determination to forge one’s own destinies and identities. Selected as the Palestinian entry for the Best International Feature for the 96th Academy Awards. Preceded by JAMILA (2023, dir. Julia Freij, 15 min.) and AN ORANGE FROM JAFFA (2023, dir. Mohammed Alughanni, 27 min.). 

SOLD OUT: A limited waitlist will open at the box office one hour before all sold out screenings. Any available tickets will be released to the waitlist when the screening begins. Waitlist does not guarantee entry, limit one spot per person present. No email or phone reservations - must reserve in-person.

Awards & Nominations

Winner - Grierson Award, Documentary Film, London Film Festival
Winner - Winner Prix du Jury, Marrakech International Film Festival
Winner - Ulysses Award, Best Documentary, Montpellier Mediterranean Film Festival
Nominee - Gold Hugo, Gold Hugo, Best Documentary, Chicago International Film Festival
Nominee - Independent Spirit Award, Best Documentary, Film Independent Spirit Awards

Chicago Palestine Film Festival: Founded in 2001, the Chicago Palestine Film Festival (CPFF) is an annual cultural event that serves as a vibrant platform for showcasing the rich and diverse narratives of Palestinian cinema. The festival provides a unique space for filmmakers, artists, and audience members to engage with compelling stories that explore the multifaceted aspects of Palestinian life. View full festival.

The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu