THE PALESTINE COMEDY CLUB – RAINDANCE 33 RD LONDON FILM
FESTIVAL VUE CINEMA LOWER REGENT STREET 18-27 JUNE 2025

Charlotte Knowles is the Producer of this meaningful film and her sister
Libby edited it. Charlotte has worked in Hebron, Palestine and she has
made seven films in all. One of the comedy club – Aliabdallah who is also
the Director, has an account called regashots – he could not come to
Raindance due to visa restrictions. There is much coverage of the
problems encountered by the club in travelling around and checkpoints
which they must pass through to continue their shows. Referred to as
“unbelievable logistical feats” the commentary notifies the audience of 654
checkpoints which now number 900 and acknowledges “This project will
never happen again”.
Any filmmaker or performer needs to know it has an audience – people
were packed in at Ramallah and many other venues and also some of the
club came to London with a very good reception here. The group toured
extensively and stayed in excellent spirits despite problems. One of the
group is now resident in Holland and calls to his mother are covered as he
is clearly worried about developments in his homeland and the safety of
loved ones.
There is some footage of the changing landscape and that of built up
areas after bombing which gives a very sad note to the story.
The Comedy Club has a busy future. They have two different shows due at
The Edinburgh Festival and the film will also be screened there. There will
be live shows at The Bush Theatre in September also.
Advocates from The British Council supported the filming of The Palestine
Comedy Club and the crossing of borders. There are very few theatres in
Palestine now – many of them have been attacked. Comedy in any
situation is an important tool for survival. One of the group describes it as
“his therapy”.
In the film there are five comedians who include in their performances the
meaning of being from Palestine. Creatives from Ramallah to Haifa and
Jenin are included. They bond their audiences and address issues of
“segregation and occupation”.
Producer Charlotte notes that the situation in Palestine is a worry for so
many and that it is constantly changing. The news makes us all aware of
the insecurity on a daily basis for those who live there and we all hope
things will get better sooner rather than later. This film highlights and brings
home to us the sober reality of being Palestinian and the challenges,
dangers and drama it involves.

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