Film Maker as Activist – an afternoon of short films and discussion with Jon Pullman

In a period of such catastrophic human displacement in the Middle East, few people realise that the largest single refugee population in the world remains that of the Palestinians, ejected from their lands in 1948. This film shows how these long-term dispossessed and stateless people a largely forgotten reality.

 

Existence is Resistance

Join us for an evening of film and conversation on the theme of ‘Sumud’ – literally ‘steadfastness’ – with three short films and a photographic exhibition of Sumud posters from the Separation Wall in Bethlehem.

On the Side of the Road + Q & A

This documentary by Israeli journalist Lia Tarachansky examines the collective Israeli denial about the expulsion and displacement of Palestinians in the wake of the 1948 war for independence.

Divine Intervention

This surreal black comedy made by Palestinian director Elia Suleiman records a day in the life of a Palestinian living in Nazareth, whose girlfriend lives several checkpoints away in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Two Blue Lines

Shot over a period of 32 years, this documentary examines the human and political situation of Palestinian people from the years prior to the creation of Israel to the present day.

Amreeka

This lighthearted film chronicles the adventures of Muna, a single mother who leaves the West Bank with Fadi, her teenage son, with dreams of an exciting future in the promised land of small town Illinois.

The Wanted 18

This winning mix of documentary and clay-animation offers an unexpectedly humorous account of a West Bank town’s experience of the first Intifada, a subject that doesn’t usually generate a lot of laughs in cinema.

Rough Stage

An artist at heart, Maher, electrical engineer and former political prisoner wants to stage a contemporary dance performance in Ramallah. His family disapprove, money’s a problem and cultural problems intercede. Will he realise his dream despite barriers, both political and cultural? Toomas Jarvet’s Rough Stage employs breathtaking desert scenes and urban locations, set as a backdrop to Maher’s art.

The Promised Band

The Promised Band

The moving true story of an attempt to create dialogue and friendship between Israeli and Palestinian women, using the device of a rock band to help them cross physical, legal and cultural barriers. The women’s lives are deeply affected, in unexpected ways.

The Great Book Robbery

Film Poster

When Palestinians were expelled from their land in 1948, Israeli soldiers were accompanied by librarians as they entered Palestinian homes in many towns and villages. Their mission was to collect as many valuable books and manuscripts as possible.

Ambulance

Film poster

While many young people dream of leaving Gaza, Mohamed Jabaly, 24, wants to help. He aspires to make films, despite the lack of water and electricity, and closed borders that are part of “normal” everyday life under the seven-year Israeli blockade of Gaza.

The Promised Band

The Promised Band

The moving true story of an attempt to create dialogue and friendship between Israeli and Palestinian women, using the device of a rock band to help them cross physical, legal and cultural barriers. The women’s lives are deeply affected, in unexpected ways.

3000 Nights

3000 Nights

Layla is an ordinary young Palestinian school teacher, arrested on false charges and incarcerated with criminals in a high security Israeli women’s prison. Somehow she manages to transcend the bleakness of her situation.