The Bride & the Dowry

Ibrahim Abu Nab, Palestine, 1983 26 mins

Arabic, English, English subtitles

The Bride and the Dowry is one of the first documented testimonies from Palestinian civilians and Mayors, and shows the daily struggles of surviving under the constant threat of settler violence. It presents harrowing accounts of Palestinians who have been tortured and imprisoned, illustrating the brutal reality of their resistance. It also tells the story of a Palestinian leader targeted for assassination as he demands justice for his people, highlighting the severe consequences of defying the occupation.

These examples feel very contemporary and resonate with what we continue to see on our television screens from the West Bank.

The director, Ibrahim Abu Nab, born in Jerusalem in 1931, was a renowned Palestinian editor, journalist, filmmaker, and poet. Abu Nab made significant contributions to Arab media, founding several influential newspapers across the Middle East. In 1965, he established the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Media Department, playing a pivotal role in the Palestinian struggle. Known for his unwavering integrity, Abu Nab’s legacy of truth and advocacy endured until his death in 1991.

Anandi is Emeritus Professor of Media and Culture at Sheffield Hallam University and co-author of ‘Struggling to Be Seen: The Travails of Palestinian Cinema’