Directed and written by Cherien Dabis, What Remains of Us (original title Allly baqi mink) is a historical drama that depicts the story of a Palestinian family over several decades. Featuring performances by Saleh Bakri, Adam Bakri, and the director herself, the film offers an expansive family saga spanning from 1948 to the present day. This 2-hour and 25-minute feature, blending personal storytelling with historical context, hits French theaters on March 11, 2026.
The story begins in the late 1940s, a pivotal time for the region. A Palestinian family’s life is turned upside down by political upheaval and forced displacements. Over the decades, its members struggle to rebuild their lives while holding on to memories of a land and a history that have been shattered and scattered.
Across generations, the relationships between grandparents, parents, and children reveal how collective history shapes individual paths. Balancing family heritage with contemporary life, the story highlights the transmission of a memory shaped by exile and loss. The characters navigate everyday life filled with moments of solidarity, love, and humor, all while carrying the weight of a past that continues to influence who they are.
The project is rooted in Cherien Dabis's personal history. The filmmaker shares a poignant childhood memory of a family trip to Palestine that turned into an endless wait at a border crossing. This experience, which she lived through at age eight, ignited her desire to craft a story where the personal and political intertwine through the eyes of a family.
At the heart of the film lies the concept of "post-memory," which refers to how subsequent generations inherit a past they did not directly experience—but that continues to shape their identities. Through this family saga, the filmmaker delves into how stories, memories, and traumas are passed down, turning collective memory into a deeply personal experience.
The director describes the film as a deeply personal piece, focusing on the intricate relationships between a grandfather, a father, and a son. The goal is to explore the complexities of a family story woven into a broader historical timeline, while also aiming to humanize a narrative often confined to its political backdrop. The story weaves together moments of sorrow and flashes of joy, capturing the everyday life of a family over several decades.
The film also has the backing of producer Mark Ruffalo. The American actor became involved after discovering the project, praising how the film presents the Palestinian experience through a personal and family-centered lens.
What’s Left of Us
Film | 2026
Release in theaters: March 11, 2026
Drama | Duration: 2h25
Directed by Cherien Dabis | Starring Saleh Bakri, Cherien Dabis, Adam Bakri
Original title: Allly baqi mink
Countries: United States, Palestine
With The Remnants of Us, Cherien Dabis delivers an epic family saga set against the backdrop of recent Middle Eastern history. Through the lens of multiple generations of the same lineage, the film delves into themes of memory, identity, and legacy, while highlighting how monumental historical events influence personal journeys.
To extend your in-theater experience, check out the March cinema releases, the must-see movies right now, and our top historic films of the year.
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