A Journey Through Film and Resilience
Noor Hodaly, a 42-year-old filmmaker from Palestine has a story that intertwines personal history with a deep passion for storytelling through film. Born in 1983, Noor's early life was profoundly affected by the Gulf War. In 1991, her family was forced to leave Kuwait, eventually finding a new home in Bethlehem, Palestine. This life-changing experience shaped her perspective and fueled her ambition to capture the human experience on screen.
Noor's academic journey began at the Good Shepherd High School, where she laid the groundwork for her future endeavors. She continued her education at Bethlehem University, majoring in Sociology and Journalism—a combination that would prove invaluable in her storytelling career. Further refining her craft, she earned a degree in Documentary Filmmaking from Dar al-Kalima University, equipping her with the skills to explore complex narratives through a cinematic lens.
From 2006 to 2010, Noor's professional career took off at the Bethlehem Media Centre. During this time, she produced multiple television shows and collaborated with various filmmakers on significant projects. Her filmography includes notable works such as "Mute" with Muayad Alyan, "Private Sun" with Rami Alayan, "Love, Theft and Other Entanglements," "Reports About Sara and Saleem," and the Oscar-nominated "The Present" with Farah Nabulsi. Despite stepping back from direct involvement in filmmaking, Noor maintains strong relationships within the industry and stays updated on the evolving landscape of Palestinian cinema.
Growing up in Bethlehem, Noor has witnessed the challenges of living in a region marked by instability and conflict. Today, she works as a Sales Manager, navigating the complexities of traveling through different Palestinian cities. While her current position is a departure from her film-making dreams, her passion for storytelling remains fierce. Noor consistently seeks opportunities to capture the essence of her surroundings, curating images and videos that tell the stories of her homeland and sharing them on social media platforms like Instagram.
Noor envisions a future where Palestinian filmmakers have access to formal education in filmmaking and a robust industry that can nurture local talent. The current insecurity in the region has prompted many filmmakers to seek opportunities abroad, as funding and resources remain scarce. However, Noor firmly believes that Palestine holds immense potential for filmmakers, offering breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and deeply woven narratives.
Every day, Noor prays for the day she returns to filmmaking, a path that has profoundly shaped her identity. Her experiences inform her work in organizing and coordinating, emphasizing that her character as a filmmaker extends beyond the camera. In her words, “Some pictures from the old city of Bethlehem. My journey as a film producer started here, on this very spot. This street has always been the most vibrant, full of life. The people may have changed over time, but the spirit remains the same.”
Noor Hodaly's narrative is one of resilience, hope, and an unwavering commitment to her passion for film. As a storyteller, she aims to illuminate the beauty and complexity of her homeland, advocating for a future where Palestinian cinema can thrive and be recognized on the global stage.
