I Shall Not Hate (film)
| I Shall Not Hate | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Tal Barda |
| Based on | I Shall Not Hate by Izzeldin Abuelaish |
| Produced by | Paul Cadieux |
| Starring | Izzeldin Abuelaish |
| Edited by | Geoff Klein |
Production company | Mandala Films |
| Distributed by | Filmoption International Destiny Distribution |
Release date |
|
Running time | 95 minutes |
| Countries | Canada France |
| Languages | English Arabic Hebrew |
I Shall Not Hate is a Canadian-French documentary film, directed by Tal Barda and released in 2024.[1] Adapted from Izzeldin Abuelaish's 2011 book I Shall Not Hate, the film recounts Abuelaish's life journey through to his contemporary profile as an activist for peace in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.[2]
The film premiered in March 2024 at the CPH:DOX festival,[3] and had its Canadian premiere in September at the Quebec City Film Festival.[4]
Critical response
Aleksandra Biernacka of Modern Times Review wrote that "I Shall Not Hate uses a wide array of stylistic tools – archival footage of the Jabalia Refugee Camp at different points in time, warm-coloured painted animation, Israeli and world media news coverage, interviews, and home video movies – in order to construct a flowing and engaging narrative focused on a charismatic character and his fight for dignity and a right to live. At the same time, his personal story is seamlessly interwoven into a wider canvas of political events, which form the history of Gaza and its people. Next, US Presidents give statements and comments on the unfolding tragedy, which none apparently has the power to stop. And again and again, the words fail in the face of ongoing trauma.[5]
Awards
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Screen Awards | June 1, 2025 | Best Editing in a Documentary | Geoff Klein | Nominated | [6] |
| Cinema for Peace awards | 2025 | Special Dove | Goes to the Protagonist of the film, Professor Dr Izzeldin Abuelaish and received by Director Tal Barda | Won | [7] |
| The Hague Movies That Matter Festival | 2024 | Audience Award received by the Protagonist of the Film Professor Dr Izzeldin Abuelaish | Won |
References
- ^ Mehdi Balamissa, "Doc Edge 2024: I Shall Not Hate - Interview of Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish". Film Fest Report, June 29, 2024.
- ^ Olivier Du Ruisseau, "«I Shall Not Hate»: épopée politique au Festival de cinéma de la ville de Québec". Le Devoir, September 11, 2024.
- ^ Lise Pedersen, "CPH:DOX Unveils Full Program With a Focus on Conflict in Gaza". Variety, February 21, 2024.
- ^ Mike Cohen, "Entertainment Notebook: I Shall Not Hate follows the experience of a Palestinian doctor in Israel". The Suburban, October 12, 2024.
- ^ Aleksandra Biernacka, "From tragedy to will". Modern Times Review, June 6, 2024.
- ^ Pat Mullen, "The Tragically Hip, Okurimono Lead Canadian Screen Award Documentary Nominees". Point of View, March 26, 2025.
- ^ Kelly Townsend, "Documentary I Shall Not Hate wins audience award at Netherlands film festival". Playback, April 4, 2024.