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Jordan’s official submission for the Oscars, “All That’s Left of You,” is stirring up strong emotions worldwide about the release of the film in North America. Directed by Cherien Dabis, the movie narrates the relocation of a Palestinian family through generations and is already scheduled for public showing on January 9 in the US and Canada. This extreme and significant facet of humanity has communicated the viewers’ feelings during the film’s festival screenings.
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The distributor Watermelon Pictures’ decision to showcase the movie in theatres resulted in a wave of emotional responses from the viewers who saw it beforehand. One of the attendants at the Seville Film Festival in Spain shared his impression, stating that the film was so powerful that it “broke me” even though he was aware of the history of the Palestinian people since the Nakba. He referred to the film as “a MUST” for understanding the current situation and remarked on the special torment of being conscious of the events in Gaza at the time of watching the film.
Festival audiences called the film a life-changer. An audience member from Indonesia said, “you come out of the theater a different person,” while referring to the film as “one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful movies that I have ever seen in my entire life.” Another person stated it was their “film of the 2025” and “a masterpiece” that they continued to discuss even after the screening.
One of the topics that stirred much debate was the educational aspect of the movie which was raised by one participant who called it “the best educational movie about Palestine” and said it deals with “three generations from around the Nakba/catastrophe 1948 to present.” It seems that this multi-generational view is a very strong draw for the audience who are eager to learn the historical background of modern disputes.
International interest in the film has been massive and people from Germany, the UK, Malaysia, Australia, South Korea, and many other countries are asking when the film will be available in their markets. The director herself handled several queries, confirmed the British release dates, and the German theatrical availability. One fan that is really into the film said he was “buying tickets even if it’s not going to be in my city,” which indicates how much the film still holds power to attract the audience.
The film’s emotional power also seems to be very intense with people who have a connection to the issue. One viewer referred to herself as “the daughter of a Nakba survivor” and confessed she was “so emotional watching this film.” Another viewer shared that he had “never cried so much at a movie,” however, he commended the team for doing “absolutely stunning” work.
What is strikingly remarkable about these reactions is the fact that they not only echo the usual hype surrounding a film but that they go much farther. The audience is not just saying they liked the movie—they are claiming their opinions have been changed and they are talking about being emotionally involved with the Palestinian people’s life. The reviews suggest that the work is both artistically and historically significant, that it is presenting the human side of a conflict and, therefore, giving the audience a historical background for the present events.
The release in North America happens to coincide with a period when global attention is being drawn to the Palestinian side of the story. Some commenters on this issue have been rather audacious and even linked the film’s themes to “current realities,” such as a person who commented that “the situations in Gaza have made the world open its eyes.” This association thus adds to the burden of the film, not only because it is admirable but also because bigger than mere art is a moment in history.
Theatergoers who have not seen the film yet are already expressing their strong expectations. One of them even said, “I get goosebumps whenever I see the Trailer.” It appears that the mixture of feelings, educational values, and relevance to the present time is behind the anticipated significant demand for the January release.
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The international audience response to “All That’s Left of You” can already be seen, which implies that the film will keep on provoking the type of feelings and discussions that are synonymous with the most powerful and influential cinematic experience. This movie has the capability to not only be Jordan’s entry to the Oscars but also to make the world conversant with centuries-long Palestinian suffering.
This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider
