Return to Haifa Film Screening

Set against the backdrop of the Nakba of 1948, the film tells the story of a Palestinian family forced to flee their home in Haifa amid violence and displacement. In the chaos of their departure, they are separated from their infant son, Khaldoun, whom they are unable to take with them. Twenty years later, the family returns to Haifa, carrying the weight of loss, unanswered questions, and the hope of discovering what became of their child. Through this deeply moving story, Return to Haifa explores the lasting wounds of exile, the complexities of identity, and the relationship between people, memory, and the places they call home. More than a story of one family's loss, the film is a reflection on Palestinian history, the meaning of return, and the generations shaped by displacement. About the Film • Director: Kassem Hawal • Year: 1982 • Duration: 72 minutes • Music: Ziad Rahbani • Featuring: Paul Matar and Hanan Hajj Ali • Based on: Return to Haifa by Ghassan Kanafani About the Director Born in Basra, Iraq, in 1940, Kassem Hawal is an award-winning filmmaker whose work has played an important role in Arab political and cultural cinema. After studying theatre and directing at the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad, Hawal moved to Lebanon in 1970, where he became involved in political filmmaking and collaborated with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) on films documenting Palestinian experiences and struggles. Over his career, he has directed numerous documentaries and feature films, earning recognition at international film festivals for his contributions to Arab cinema and cultural memory. Join us at Casa Palestina for an evening of cinema, remembrance, and reflection on the stories that continue to shape Palestinian identity and the meaning of home.