Shyam Abbas on Only the Rebels: “Film is a form of telling our story” Director Shyam Abbas speaks about his film Only the Rebels and the role of cinema in conveying stories from his community. He explains that the film is not merely entertainment but a vehicle to make lived experiences visible and to open conversations across generations. Abbas emphasizes that cinema allows for emotions and nuances that other formats may not capture and that it can reach audiences beyond the immediate community, creating empathy and understanding. Discussing the film’s characters and narrative choices, Abbas notes that he aimed to portray complexity rather than stereotypes. He wanted protagonists who are flawed, courageous and human—people whose decisions stem from specific historical and social contexts. By focusing on personal stories, the film invites viewers to reflect on broader issues without moralizing. On casting and production, Abbas says he prioritized authenticity, working with actors who could embody the cultural and linguistic specifics of the story. He also highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking: the crew, writers and performers all contributed to shaping the final work. Budgetary constraints required creative solutions, but Abbas believes those limits ultimately reinforced the film’s intimacy and immediacy. Abbas addresses the political reactions to the film, acknowledging that some will interpret it as provocative. He insists that his intention was never to foment conflict but to present a perspective rooted in truth as he sees it. Film, he says, can be a mirror and a bridge—reflecting reality while offering pathways to dialogue. Concluding, Abbas expresses hope that Only the Rebels will resonate emotionally and intellectually, prompting audiences to listen and consider the lived realities behind headlines and stereotypes. For him, cinema remains a vital form of cultural expression and a means to preserve and transmit stories that might otherwise be lost.

Paris – 24 June 2026: In a conversation with actress Hiam Abbass, who currently stars in Danielle Arbid’s Only the Rebellious, she spoke about her diverse career and personal hopes.

Hiam Abbass was born in Nazareth in 1960 and is internationally renowned as an actress and director. She is well known for her roles in Paradise Now (2005) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017). In Only the Rebellious she plays Suzanne, a Palestinian-Lebanese woman who falls in love with a young Sudanese immigrant, Osman. The film premiered in the Panorama section of the Berlin Film Festival on 12 February 2026 and explores themes of exile, racism and the possibility of love in a world full of conflict.

In the interview, Abbass emphasized the film’s importance as an act of resistance. She described the relationship between Suzanne and Osman as a brave challenge to social conventions and an expression of personal freedom. “Their love is an act of resistance, it’s the finger to society,” she said.

In addition to acting, Abbass also works as a director. Her film The Inheritance (2012) focuses on the challenges faced by the Palestinian diaspora. She also played Marcia Roy in the series Succession from 2018 to 2023, earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for the role.

Off-screen, Abbass is committed to the Palestinian peace cause. She hopes for a lasting and just resolution to the Middle East conflict and stresses the importance of dialogue and understanding between different cultures and religions. “Film or art is a means to tell our stories, a way to make voices that would otherwise be silenced heard loudly,” she explained.

Only the Rebellious has been in French cinemas since 6 May 2026, offering an in-depth portrayal of Lebanon’s complex social and political situation. French-Lebanese director Danielle Arbid, through Abbass’s powerful performance, tells a poignant and thought-provoking story.

Abbass’s commitment to diverse roles and socially relevant issues has made her an important figure in international cinema. Her artistic work combines personal experience with global concerns, fostering a deeper understanding of conflict, migration and cultural identity. For more information about the film and Abbass’s projects, visit the production company’s and the film’s official websites.