When six Palestinian comedians tour their stand-up show across Palestine and Israel, their search for humour amidst the injustice of everyday Palestinian life becomes a plea for humanity in the face of occupation.

Crossing checkpoints and borders to tour six theatres in Palestine and Israel is a challenge when all six comedians have different travel permissions, but audiences flock to the shows, and the tour gains momentum through increasing public demand. Word spreads internationally, and they are invited to London for a series of gigs starting, tragically, on October 7 2023. As war breaks out at home, the comedians prepare for their first English tour to an increasingly conflicted British public. Suddenly, the mission to connect with audiences with thoughtful humanity becomes an existential imperative.

Palestine Comedy Club is a quest to find comedy in the tragedy of Palestinian life and create connection against the odds through a common love of laughter.

DIRECTED BY Alaa Aliabdallah & editor Charlotte Knowles
U.K, Palestine
Arabic and English (with subtitles)
2024
98 MINS
12A

Presented for Scalarama by Leeds Palestinian Film Festival @leedspff