UNRWA, 75 years of a provisory history

Out of Competition

UNRWA, 75 years of a provisory history

Caught between aid and politics, UNRWA's untold story unfolds in the crossfire of a never-ending occupation.

Director:
Nicolas Wadimoff, Lyana Saleh

Genre:
Documentary

Year:
2025

Duration:
70 minutes

Rating:
PG

Country:
Switzerland

Language:
French, English

Subtitling:
Arabic, English

Screenplay: Nicolas Wadimoff, Lyana Saleh

Cinematography: Camille Cottagnoud

Editing: Brandon Beytrison

Production: Irène Challand

Début Status: Jordanian Première

Synopsis

Amid political storms and deepening humanitarian crisis, this documentary uncovers the little-known story of UNRWA; the UN agency created to support Palestinian refugees. Once considered apolitical, it now stands at the heart of one of the world's longest and most politicized struggles. Through never-before-seen archives and exclusive testimonials, the film traces UNRWA's complex legacy: lifeline to millions, yet under fire and fighting for survival. In telling the story of the agency, it reveals the enduring plight of the Palestinian refugees it was built to serve.

Director’s biography

Lyana Saleh is a journalist, film-maker and cultural columnist for France 24. Living in France since 2005, she began her journalistic career in 2009. Between 2010 and 2015, Lyana Saleh produced a number of reports, notably in Libya, Palestine, Jordan, Iran and Cuba. Nicolas Wadimoff was born in 1964 in Geneva (Switzerland). he has worked as a director and producer and is represented at the biggest international film festivals (Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Toronto...). In 2003, he founded the production company Akka Films.