Return to al-Ma’in
Synopsis
Return to al-Ma’in chronicles the multiyear collaboration between Forensic Architecture (FA) and Palestinian historian and Nakba survivor Salman Abu Sitta on the reconstruction of his birthplace, the lost village of Ma’in Abu Sitta (or al-Ma’in). Guided by the work and memories of Abu Sitta, FA-researchers reconstructed al-Ma’in’s occupation by Israeli forces on 14 May 1948, its subsequent demolition, and the settlements constructed on its ruins. The movie looks to the present moment and the connections between Israeli military’s conduct and appropriation of Palestinian land during and after 1948, and today in Gaza. The project looks back at the sophistication and sensitivity with which the Abu Sitta family cultivated their land, and the rich agricultural diversity that was lost when Israeli settlements were subsequently constructed over this landscape.
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Eyal Weizman, Forensic Architecture
- Original Title
- Return to al-Ma’in
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Release Date
- 14/05/2025
- Spoken Languages
- Arabic, English
- Runtime
- 30m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Eyal Weizman, Forensic Architecture
Department Leadership Roster
Eyal Weizman
Director
Forensic Architecture
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Return to al-Ma’in.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Return to al-Ma’in
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Return to al-Ma’in about?
Return to al-Ma’in chronicles the multiyear collaboration between Forensic Architecture (FA) and Palestinian historian and Nakba survivor Salman Abu Sitta on the reconstruction of his birthplace, the lost village of Ma’in Abu Sitta (or al-Ma’in). Guided by the work and memories of Abu Sitta, FA-researchers reconstructed al-Ma’in’s occupation by Israeli forces on 14 May 1948, its subsequent demolition, and the settlements constructed on its ruins. The movie looks to the present moment and the connections between Israeli military’s conduct and appropriation of Palestinian land during and after 1948, and today in Gaza. The project looks back at the sophistication and sensitivity with which the Abu Sitta family cultivated their land, and the rich agricultural diversity that was lost when Israeli settlements were subsequently constructed over this landscape.
Who directed Return to al-Ma’in?
Return to al-Ma’in was directed by Eyal Weizman, Forensic Architecture.
Who stars in Return to al-Ma’in?
The principal cast of Return to al-Ma’in includes Not specified.
When was Return to al-Ma’in released and how long is it?
Return to al-Ma’in was released in 2025 with a total runtime of 30m.