Budapest Hosts Premiere of Documentary "Via Dolorosa" with Wide Public Attendance

In cooperation between the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine and the Council of Churches in Hungary

The Hungarian capital hosted the premiere screening of the documentary “Via Dolorosa”, produced through a partnership between the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in the State of Palestine—represented by Committee member, Europe representative, and film director Ambassador Amira Hanania—and the Council of Churches in Hungary.

The documentary offers a visual and historical account of the Christian presence in Palestine from its origins to modern times, highlighting the rooted Christian identity of the Holy Land and the ongoing challenges faced by its communities. It sheds light on the pressures confronting Christians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, within the broader context of genocide, displacement, and restrictions on religious and historical presence and identity.

The film has received the blessing of the Council of Churches of Jerusalem and the sponsorship of the World Council of Churches. Its international premiere at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva underscores the global and diplomatic resonance of the film’s message and its role in presenting the Palestinian Christian narrative to the international community.

Speaking virtually during the event, Ambassador and filmmaker Amira Hanania emphasized the film’s significance as a visual document that recounts the journey of Christians in Palestine and underscores their resilience amid attempts to erase their history and identity. She highlighted the Committee’s efforts in supporting initiatives that preserve and elevate the Palestinian narrative globally. Hanania affirmed that the film serves as a platform for amplifying the voices of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Gaza, and all of historic Palestine.

Hanania also responded to audience questions related to the historical, political, and human rights aspects of the Palestinian struggle. She called on the international community to uphold justice, implement international law, and ensure the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. She concluded by inviting the world to visit Palestine and stand in solidarity with its people, noting that Bethlehem is preparing to celebrate Christmas again after a two-year suspension caused by the genocidal war.

In their remarks, Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac and Sister Agapia highlighted the importance of preserving the spiritual and human heritage of holy sites and emphasized the role of the Palestinian Church in defending Christian presence, justice, and historic rights. They also outlined the hardships faced by Palestinians under occupation, particularly restrictions on religious freedoms, stressing the need to convey the Palestinian narrative worldwide and strengthen the Christian presence in its homeland.

The premiere in Budapest was organized with the support of Rev. András Gér, President of the Hungarian Reformed Missionary Association; Dr. Hanga Horváth-Sántha, senior lecturer at Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church; and Gábor Zila, Secretary of the Hungarian Reformed Missionary Association.

The screening drew a large audience of supporters of the Palestinian people, as well as numerous diplomatic, ecclesiastical, and academic figures. Among the attendees were Dr. Fadi Husseini, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Hungary; diplomats Yuad Jaradat and Sofia Daibes; and representatives of various churches and community organizations. The film was presented with Hungarian subtitles, prepared voluntarily by Hungarian supporters of the Palestinian struggle.