Hiam Abbass on Palestine, Picking Roles, Method Acting: Rotterdam
Actress Hiam Abbass, known to many for her role as Marcia Roy in the HBO drama Succession, is currently featured in two films premiering at the 55th edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). She stars in Annemarie Jacir’s Palestine 36 and Malek Bensmaïl’s debut fiction film, The Arab, which both had their world premieres on Saturday.
A Space of Freedom
Abbass participated in an IFFR “Big Talk” on Sunday evening alongside Italian actress and director Valeria Golino (Rain Man, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Hot Shots!, Fuori). During the discussion, Abbass reflected on her upbringing as a Palestinian woman, describing it as carrying “a huge inheritance of injustice.” She stated that acting became “a space of freedom” from pressure, allowing her to make choices that challenged inherited traditions.
The Weight of Duty
Abbass discussed how the events of October 7th and its aftermath have impacted her recent work. She explained that, having been born into struggle, she often doesn’t differentiate between artistic choices and a sense of duty. She cited Palestine 36 and a recent documentary by her daughter, Lina Soualem, titled Bye Bye Tiberias, as examples of this intersection.
Abbass emphasized the importance of these films in preserving Palestinian history, stating that participation felt like “a duty…to be there as part of Palestinian history, when every day it’s threatened to be erased and forgotten.” She described Palestine 36 as a means of “registering the archives of Palestinian history forever into a movie that becomes our future archive.”
Production Challenges
The production of Palestine 36 faced significant challenges. The shoot was delayed after preparations were complete – including the construction of a set village and the arrival of actors – following the events of October 7, 2023. Subsequently, the constructed village became a target for settlers, making it too risky to continue filming there. Parts of the film were ultimately relocated to Jordan, which Abbass described as “a victory.”
On Acting and Directing
Abbass also shared her perspective on method acting, a topic previously discussed by her Succession co-star Brian Cox. She stated, “I’m really not a method actor,” adding that she sometimes finds it difficult to work with those who employ the technique, though she understands their approach. She prioritizes separating herself from her characters after filming, stating, “I try so much to separate myself from the character that I play as soon as we say ‘cut.’”
The conversation also touched on directing. Golino shared that she always wanted to direct but faced internal obstacles, describing it as “the impostor thing.” Abbass explained that she turned to directing out of “necessity” to express her perspective as a woman and a mother.
Broader Themes
The discussion, moderated by Kristy Matheson, BFI festivals director and member of this year’s IFFR Tiger Competition jury, also covered international careers and how they shape character work. Golino recalled a traumatizing experience watching Bambi as a child, while Abbass remembered a childhood performance that sparked her passion for acting. Abbass initially pursued photography to avoid becoming a doctor before transitioning to theater and film.
Earlier in the day at IFFR, John Lithgow shared his views on J.K. Rowling’s stance on transgender issues, calling it “ironic and inexplicable” and speaking about a “war on empathy.”
IFFR continues through February 8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What films is Hiam Abbass currently promoting at IFFR?
Hiam Abbass is promoting Palestine 36 and The Arab at the 55th International Film Festival Rotterdam.
What did Abbass say about the challenges faced during the filming of Palestine 36?
The filming of Palestine 36 was delayed due to the events of October 7, 2023, and the constructed set village became a target for settlers, forcing a relocation of part of the shoot to Jordan.
What is Abbass’s perspective on method acting?
Hiam Abbass stated that she is “really not a method actor” and sometimes finds it difficult to work with those who use the technique, though she understands their approach.
Given the challenges faced during the production of Palestine 36, what does it say about the commitment of filmmakers to tell important stories, even in the face of adversity?