When it comes to the issue of Palestine, the human cost of a “conflict” that has lasted through decades has been presented over the years through not just reports, but also films that bring attention to the lived experiences of Palestinians.
Drawing upon a source from Al Jazeera, from children who have lost their families to a poet and a peaceful protest – these five films bring to the forefront the human stories that often get lost in the midst of political disputes and military actions. They serve as a reminder that beyond the headlines and geopolitical tension, the Palestine issue carries a profound human cost that demands empathy, understanding, and condemnation of Israel’s “war crimes”.
Gaza: Surviving Shujayea
In the midst of Israel’s 2014 assault on Gaza, Gaza: Surviving Shujayea tells the harrowing tale of eight-year-old Bisan Daher and her family, who endured the devastation in the neighbourhood of Shujayea. Despite losing six family members during Israeli attacks, Bisan’s miraculous survival and the unbreakable bond formed with her rescuers are at the heart of this gripping narrative.
Farah: Scarred by Gaza’s War
Farah: Scarred by Gaza’s War introduces us to three-year-old Farah, whose life was forever altered when Israeli forces attacked her home, resulting in severe burns and the loss of several family members. The film documents her journey to the United States for medical treatment and the compassionate Arab American families who provide her with a haven during her nine-month ordeal.
Skies Above Hebron: Growing up Palestinian in the occupied West Bank
This documentary chronicles the lives of three Palestinian boys, Amer, Anas, and Marwaan, as they navigate the complexities of growing up in the divided heart of the occupied West Bank city of Hebron. Facing constant threats of arrest and the presence of Israeli settlers eager to move into their homes, the film portrays the hopes and challenges of these resilient young individuals.
Defying My Disability
In Defying My Disability, we meet seven Palestinians living with different disabilities. Their stories reflect the indomitable spirit of those born with disabilities or injured in Israeli attacks. The film showcases their determination to overcome adversity, even in environments ill-equipped to cater to their special needs.
Between Fire & Sea: The Man Behind Gaza’s Great March of Return
This film offers a unique perspective on the issue, focusing on Palestinian poet and non-violence activist Ahmed Abu Artema. His Facebook post, posing the question of peaceful marches across the Gaza-Israel fence, led to the Great March of Return, a movement of peaceful protests. The film follows Ahmed as he grapples with the human toll of these protests and endeavours to reconcile it with his belief in the power of non-violence.
