A Rooftop Cinema Night in the Old City of Nablus
Together with the Office of the EU Representative, we screened "Leila Shahid: Hope in Exile" under the open sky on the rooftop of the Turquoise Hostel.
On 19 August 2026, the Yalla Project organised a cinema night in the Old City of Nablus in collaboration with the Office of the European Union Representative (West Bank and Gaza Strip).
As night fell, we screened the documentary Leila Shahid: Hope in Exile in the open air on the rooftop of the Turquoise Hostel, overlooking the rooftops and domes of the Old City. The screening was held in tribute to Leila Shahid, the Palestinian diplomat who for many years represented Palestine in France and to the European Union.
The evening brought together officials, community leaders, artists, partners and friends of Yalla. Speeches were given by EU Representative Alexandre Stutzmann, the Deputy Governor of Nablus, a representative of the Nablus Chamber of Commerce and other guests, followed by poetry readings and traditional refreshments and snacks. The screening closed a day-long visit to Nablus by Mr. Stutzmann, who toured some of the city’s historic and cultural landmarks before joining us on the rooftop.
For us, the night was a reminder of what the Old City can offer: its rooftops, courtyards and alleys are not only heritage to protect, but spaces where people can gather, watch, talk and share stories together.
We thank the Office of the EU Representative for this collaboration, and everyone who joined us on the rooftop.
Photos by Omayr Istaitia
