West Norwood 4 Palestine Free Film Festival Screening 2: 'When I Saw You'

Join us for Night 2 of our Free Palestine Film Festival in West Norwood at The Picturehouse. 

As part of the global Palestine Cinema Days – Around the World 2025, we will be showing When I Saw You (2012, Director -  Annemarie Jacir): you can watch the trailer here. 

Palestine Cinema Days, a festival established in 2014, is a platform for both local and international productions, showcasing the country’s rich cinematic culture to the world. This year, screenings will be taking place globally on November 2nd, in conjunction with the anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, when the British promised what wasn’t theirs to others. 

Recently screened at the BFI for the second time, as part of their Reclaim the Frame series, When I Saw You tells the story of Tarek and his mother in 1967 who have to flee Palestine to a refugee camp in Jordan. Tarek, finding it difficult to adjust to life in Harir camp and longing to be reunited with his father, searches for a way out and discovers a new hope emerging with the times. His free spirit and curious nature lead him to a group of people on a journey that will change their lives. 

When I Saw You is the story of people affected by the times around them, in search of something more in their lives. A journey full of adventure, love, humour, and the desire to be free. A story of the human spirit that knows no borders. 

This film is rated 12, and contains infrequent strong language and moderate threat. 

We are honoured to welcome Hazem Jamjoum for our post screening discussion and Q&A.  Hazem is a Palestinian cultural historian, archivist and educator based in London and he is lead editor at the recently established publishing house, Safarjal Press.

Hazem's translation of Ghassan Kanafani's The Revolution of 1936-1939 in Palestine was published by 1804 Books and won the 2024 Palestine Book Award.  His translation of Maya Abu al-Hayyat's novel, No One Knows Their Blood Type, was published by the CSU Poetry Centre in 2024.  Additionally, his translation of Gawad Elakkad's poetry collection, Leading Songbirds from the Slaughter (edited by lisa minerva luxx), is forthcoming from Safarjal Press.

Palestinian vendors and food will be available for purchase beforehand, as well as a selection of drinks from the Picturehouse. 

6.30pm Doors Open 

7.00pm Film Screening & Q&A 

The Picturehouse is a fully accessible venue. If you have any accessibility requirements, please reach out and let us know as soon as possible. 

More information will be sent to all those who have signed up prior to the screening. 

Any profits, once all film festival costs have been covered, will support The Sameer Project, Gaza Sunbirds and West Norwood 4 Palestine.