ON THIS PAGE:
5 Broken Cameras
Budrus
Freedom Flotillas
Home Front
My Neighborhood
Occupation 101
Palestine for Beginners
Promises
Voices Across the Divide
See dozens of feature films (without study guides) in our Films section.
Know some curricula we missed? Let us know at [email protected].
5 BROKEN CAMERAS (2011)
1 hour, 34 mins.
Palestinian-Israeli-French co-production
http://5brokencamerasthemovie.com/
The first-ever Palestinian film to be nominated for a best Documentary Feature Academy Award,, the critically-acclaimed film 5 BROKEN CAMERAS is a deeply personal, first-hand account of life and non-violent resistance in Bil’in, a West Bank village surrounded by Israeli settlements. Shot by Palestinian farmer Emad Burnat, who bought his first camera in 2005 to record the birth of his youngest son, Gibreel, the film was co-directed by Burnat and Guy Davidi, an Israeli filmmaker.
Structured in chapters around the destruction of each one of Burnat’s cameras, the filmmakers’ collaboration follows one family’s evolution over six years of village upheaval. As the years pass in front of the camera, we witness Gibreel grow from a newborn baby into a young boy who observes the world unfolding around him with the astute powers of perception that only children possess. Burnat watches from behind the lens as olive trees are bulldozed, protests intensify and lives are lost in this cinematic diary and unparalleled record of life in the West Bank.
Watch it on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/70229917
Also available with other streaming services or for purchase online.
See purchase and other options at: http://5brokencamerasthemovie.com/
See there also an invitation to host a lecture or screening for a school or organization.
AFSC Study Guide for 5 Broken Cameras (8 pp)
This discussion guide has been developed by Palestine-Israel Program staff members of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). The guide is intended to help facilitate discussion about the film 5 Broken Cameras by social action groups, classes, and other interested parties. We hope that discussion of this important film becomes a vehicle for developing a greater understanding of the issues involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and nonviolent resistance in Palestine. The film guide is divided into four sections.
The first section provides a brief summary of the film and brief background and context information about the village of Bil’in.
The second section provides brief background information on Palestinian nonviolent resistance to Israel’s occupation.
Section three includes sample questions which can be used to guide discussions about the film and information about resources that interested individuals and groups can use to find out more about the situation in Bil’in, in Israel and Palestine, and about actions they can support that will help bring change.
The final section is a case study developed based on interviews conducted by AFSC in Bil’in.
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BUDRUS (2009)
1 hour, 10 mins.
A Just Vision Film
http://www.justvision.org/budrus
Budrus is an award-winning feature documentary film about Palestinian community organizer, Ayed Morrar, who unites Palestinian political factions and invites Israeli supporters to join an unarmed movement to save his village of Budrus from destruction by Israel’s Separation Barrier. Success eludes them until his 15-year-old daughter, Iltezam, launches a women’s contingent that quickly moves to the front lines. Struggling side by side, father and daughter unleash an inspiring, yet little-known, movement in the Occupied Palestinian Territories that is still gaining ground today. In an action-filled documentary chronicling this movement from its infancy, Budrus shines a light on people who choose nonviolent strategies to confront a threat.
While this film is about one Palestinian village, it tells a much bigger story about what is possible in the Middle East. Ayed succeeded in doing what many people believe to be impossible: he united feuding Palestinian political groups, including Fatah and Hamas; he brought women to the heart of the struggle by encouraging his daughter Iltezam’s leadership; and welcoming hundreds of Israelis to cross into Palestinian territory for the first time and join this nonviolent effort. Many of the activists who joined the villagers of Budrus are now continuing to support nonviolence efforts in villages from Bil’in to Nabi Saleh to Hebron to Sheikh Jarrah in East Jerusalem.
While many documentaries about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict either romanticize the notion of peace, or dwell entirely on the suffering of victims to the conflict, this film focuses on the success of a Palestinian-led unarmed struggle.
Learn more about the film and how to bring it to your community:
http://www.justvision.org/budrus/about/faq
Watch Budrus online for a fee: http://www.justvision.org/budrus/watch
Also on Netflix and Amazon Prime
Purchase the DVD: http://www.justvision.org/store
Just Vision Discussion Guide for Budrus
A guide from the film’s producers, including such topics as Putting Budrus on the Map, Who’s Who, Pre-Screening Preparation, Discussion Questions, Media Analysis, Nonviolence & Movement Building, The Role of Women, Unity of Palestinian Political Factions, Israeli Participation, Israeli Military Presence, Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Approaches to Change, and several appendices.
Palestine Teaching Trunk Discussion Guide for Budrus (2 pp)
Suggestions for introducing the film, questions to ask about the subject matter, and ideas for student projects in response to the film.
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FREEDOM FLOTILLAS (2011)
17 mins.
http://vimeo.com/24046397
Freedom Fotillas to Gaza is a comprehensive 17-minute explanation of the blockade on Gaza by Israel and the flotillas that challenge it. The director is Adam Shapiro, an American Jewish filmmaker. The narrator is Huwaida Arraf, a Palestinian- American and Israeli activist, lawyer, and co-founder of the International Solidarity Movement.
Palestine Teaching Trunk Discussion Guide for Freedom Flotillas (2 pp)
Questions to use before watching, suggestions for student projects in response, questions to students to answer after watching.
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HOME FRONT (c.2011-2012)
A Just Vision Film
32 mins.
http://www.justvision.org/homefront
A short film series chronicling the human impact of settlement expansion in East Jerusalem and nonviolent efforts to prevent the displacement of Palestinian families. Getting beyond the sensational headlines and broad generalizations that normally dominate discussions of Jerusalem, Home Front captures voices rarely heard, of those struggling to stop settlement expansion in East Jerusalem and build a future of pluralism and equality in the city.
Featuring the accounts of a Palestinian teenager forced to give up half his home to Israeli settlers, an American-born Israeli mother who gets drawn into the demonstrations after her children’s arrest, a Palestinian community organizer who brings local women to the forefront of the struggle, and a veteran of the Israeli army who becomes one of the campaign’s leaders, Home Front chronicles the resolve of a neighborhood, and the support it receives from the most unexpected of places.
Watch at the film’s website: http://www.justvision.org/homefront
See supplemental information from +972 Magazine:
https://972mag.com/sheikh%20jarrah/
Just Vision Discussion Guide for Home Front (20 pp)Includes: Statement From the filmmakers, In the Heart oF Jerusalem, Preparing for the Discussion, Discussion Questions, Module 1: Mohammed El Kurd, Module 2: Terry Benninga, Module 3: Amal Qassem Module 4: Gil Gutglick, Support Materials, Frequently Asked Questions, Get Involved and Glossary.
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MY NEIGHBORHOOD (2012)
25 mins.
A Just Vision Film
http://www.justvision.org/myneighbourhood
Mohammed El Kurd is a Palestinian boy growing up in the neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah in the heart of East Jerusalem. When Mohammed turns 11, his family is forced to give up part of their home to Israeli settlers, who are leading a campaign of court-sanctioned evictions to guarantee Jewish control of the area.
Shortly after their displacement, Mohammed’s family and other residents begin holding unarmed protests against the evictions, determined not to lose their homes for good. In a surprising turn, they are quickly joined by scores of Israeli supporters who are horrified to see what is being done in their name. Among them is Jewish West Jerusalem resident Zvi Benninga and his sister Sara, who develop a strong relationship with Mohammed and his family as they take on a leading role in organizing the protests.
Through their personal stories, My Neighbourhood goes beyond the sensational headlines that normally dominate discussions of Jerusalem and captures voices rarely heard, of those striving for a future of equality and pluralism in the city.
My Neighbourhood follows Mohammed as he comes of age in the midst of unrelenting tension and remarkable cooperation in his backyard. Highlighting Mohammed’s own reactions to the highly volatile situation, reflections from family members and other evicted residents, accounts of Israeli protesters and interviews with Israeli settlers, the film chronicles the resolve of a neighbourhood and the support it receives from the most unexpected of places.
Purchase the DVD: http://www.justvision.org/store
Watch in online: http://www.justvision.org/myneighbourhood/watch
Just Vision Discussion Guide for My Neighbourhood (36 pp)Includes: Statement from the Filmmakers, In the Heart of Jerusalem, Who’s Who, Preparing for the Discussion, Pre-screening discussion, Discussion Questions, Media Analysis, Nonviolence and Movement Building, Israeli Participation, Israeli Settler Presence, Israeli Government, Judicial and Police Involvement and Response, Approaches to Change and more.
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OCCUPATION 101 (2006)
1 hour, 30 mins.
A Film by Abdallah and Sufyan Omeish
http://www.occupation101.com
A thought-provoking and gripping film on the current and historical root causes of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unlike any other film ever produced on Israel/Palestine, Occupation 101 presents a comprehensive analysis of the facts and hidden truths surrounding the never ending controversy and dispels many of its long-perceived myths and misconceptions.
The film also details life under Israeli military rule, the role of the United States in the conflict, and the major obstacles that stand in the way of a lasting and viable peace. The roots of the conflict are explained through first-hand on-the-ground experiences from leading Middle East scholars, peace activists, journalists, religious leaders and humanitarian workers whose voices have too often been suppressed in American media outlets.
The film covers a wide range of topics, which include: the first wave of Jewish immigration from Europe in the 1880’s, the 1920 tensions, the 1948 war, the 1967 war, the first Intifada of 1987, the Oslo Peace Process, Settlement expansion, the role of the United States Government, the second Intifada of 2000, the separation barrier and the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, as well as many heart wrenching testimonials from victims of this tragedy.
Occupation 101 features a leading list of some of the most credible Middle East scholars, historians, peace activists, journalists, and humanitarian workers, including Bishop Allen Bartlett, Jr, Phyllis Bennis, Father Drew Christiansen, Noam chomsky, Cindy and Craig Corrie, Richard Falk, Amira Hass, Jeff Halper, Rashid Khalidi, Rabbi Michael Lerner, Ilan Pappe, and more.
“Reflects mastery of the filmmaking arts…storytelling and humanity.” International Beverly Hills Film Festival
“If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Occupation 101 is worth a thousand books!” INFOCUS
“Not a false note in the entire film.” Richard Falk, Scholar of International Law
One of the best documentaries! Los Angeles Journal
Powerful! NEOFLIX
“One of the most important films of the century.” Amazon Reviews
“Illuminating clarion call for truth in media and human rights justice.” Move Magazine International
Review on Middle East Monitor
Review on Electronic Intifada
Purchase the second edition of the DVD at the website: http://www.occupation101.com/purchase.html
The second edition includes:
Deleted Scenes (32 mins): In-depth analysis of historical accounts from time periods in the 1900s, 1940s, and 1967; International Law extended scene; Shu’fat Refugee Camp home demolition incident; Innocent civilian victims of violence; Israeli Activist Awakening; Rachel Corrie extended scene, and more.
Bonus Footage (1 hour): Historical footage of the conflict from (British) Pathe News Archives; Testimonials from Bethlehem University; Nonviolent activism by International Solidarity Movement members; Raw footage from Jenin Refugee Camp Destruction sight; CRS Medical Director testimony; and more.
DVD is available for purchase at Amazon and other online vendors.
Stream the film at the official website in seven continuous, HD segments:
http://www.occupation101.tv/
Full length film also on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNlGbjPOmCU
Also available for viewing online here:
https://freedocumentaries.org/documentary/occupation-101-voices-of-the-silenced-majority
Palestine Teaching Trunk Discussion Guide for Occupation 101 (5 pp)
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PALESTINE FOR BEGINNERS
67 mins.
Palestine Information Project
http://www.palestineinformation.org/Pal4BeginnersDVD.htm
Palestine for Beginners is designed for use in community living rooms and high school and college classrooms. The film’s themes include: Middle East politics; the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; American foreign policy; current affairs; Zionism; civil rights, human rights law and the laws of war and occupation; ethnic cleansing; apartheid; terrorism; grassroots peace and nonviolence activism; and peace and conflict.
Completely re-filmed and edited with added visuals especially for DVD, this new edition of Palestine Information Project’s popular Palestine for Beginners is a fast-moving guide to the roots of conflict, key historical and current events, and the characters and motivations behind the ongoing crisis. The 67-minute program is divided into segements and chapters for reference:
Part One: Roots of Conflict (25 minutes)
Part Two: Occupation, Human Rights and U.S. Tax Dollars (28 minutes)
Part Three: Issues, Obstacles, Futures (14 minutes)
A Discussion and Classroom Study Guide is included as pdf on the DVD disc.
The DVD includes subtitles in English.
Linda Bevis and Edward Mast have developed and presented Palestine for Beginners for several years, updating constantly as the situation changes. Linda Bevis is an attorney who lived for several years in the West Bank working with a human rights organization, and she taught World History at the high school level for many years. Edward Mast is a playwright and performer whose play SAHMATAH, co-written with Hanna Eady, has been playing in the Middle East and Europe since 1998. Linda and Edward have done human rights work, together and separately, in Northern Ireland, Central America and the former Soviet Union, and in 2002 they were jointly awarded the human rights award of the United Nations Association of Seattle.
Linda and Edward are among the co-founders of Palestine Information Project, a Seattle organization which creates educational materials and presentations about human rights issues in Israel/Palestine and about the U.S. role in the conflict.
View it on YouTube in three parts:
Part One: Roots of Conflict (25 minutes)
Part Two: Occupation, Human Rights and U.S. Tax Dollars (28 minutes)
Part Three: Issues, Obstacles, Futures (14 minutes)
Purchase the DVD for personal or institutional uses:
PALESTINE ONLINE STORE
ARAB FILM – SEATTLE
Also available on Amazon.
Palestine For Beginners Fact Sheet (2 pp)
Palestine For Beginners Screening Guide (27 pp)
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PROMISES (2001)
1 hour, 42 mins.
A Film by BZ Goldberg, Justine Shapiro, and Carlos Bolado.
In Arabic, Hebrew, and English with English subtitles.
http://www.promisesproject.org/
A beautiful and deeply moving portrait of seven Palestinian and Israeli children, Promises follows the journey of a filmmaker who meets these children in and around Jerusalem, from a Palestinian refugee camp to an Israeli settlement in the West Bank. Although they live only 20 minutes apart, these children exist in completely separate worlds, divided by physical, historical, and emotional boundaries. PROMISES explores the nature of these boundaries and tells the story of a few children who dared to cross the lines to meet their neighbors. The children of Promises offer refreshing, personal and sometimes humorous insight into the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. With remarkable balance and a compelling blend of pathos and humor, this Oscar-nominated, Emmy Award winning film moves the conflict out of politics and into the realm of the human.
Ha’aretz review:
http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/culture/leisure/children-of-the-future-age-1.63860
Purchase the DVD for home viewing:
http://www.promisesproject.org/dist.html
Also at the link above, purchase the Educational Package from the producers of the film, for K-12 schools, colleges and universities, public libraries, religious institutions, and non-profits.
This package includes: Lesson Plans correlated to “chapters” on DVD, Classroom Activities, Reproducible Student Worksheets, Glossary, Background and historical information, Reference Guide to web sites, books and periodicals, Readings and Poems, Lesson plans can be correlated to state standards for Social Studies, History and Language-Arts.
Palestine Teaching Trunk Discussion Guide for Promises (5pp)
Includes: Introduction of the events during the period of this film,
Problems with this film, Teachers’ notes, Questions for students to answer
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VOICES ACROSS THE DIVIDE (2013)
57 mins.
http://voicesacrossthedivide.com/documentary/
Available at the Shop Palestine website of Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA)
https://www.shoppalestine.org/product-p/dvd_voices_across_divide.htm
Voices Across the Divide is a powerful documentary and oral history project exploring the Israeli/Palestinian conflict through rarely heard personal stories.
The Israeli/Palestinian conflict is one of the most prominent, hot button debates in the US today. There is often little space for compassionate listening or deepening awareness. Access to information about the conflict is shaped by powerful forces and organizations. A better future is possible based on mutual respect and knowledge. Hopefully Voices Across the Divide will contribute to an open dialogue grounded in mutual respect, understanding, and political activism that leads to justice for all people in the region. Narrated by Alice Rothchild, an American Jew raised on the tragedies of the Holocaust and the dream of a Jewish homeland in Israel, Voices Across the Divide follows her personal journey as she begins to understand the Palestinian narrative, while exploring the Palestinian experience of loss, occupation, statelessness, and immigration to the US.
Learn about these important stories, and be inspired to make a difference. Raise a voice to build a just peace in Israel and Palestine. Start by confronting the common experiences of trauma, yearning, immigration, and the realities of injustice and dispossession. Join us in humanizing this tortured and misunderstood history.
Purchase the DVD for personal use and more:
http://voicesacrossthedivide.com/documentary/buy-now/
For Universities and professors:
http://voicesacrossthedivide.com/documentary/for-universities-and-professors/
Voices Across the Divide is now available for streaming in educational institutions. Kanopy is an on demand international video streaming service for educational institutions that provides 12 million students and faculty with access to more than 26,000 films each year.
Voices Across the Divide Timeline (12 pp.)
Voices Across the Divide Study Guide
Includes: suggestions for classroom and public discussion, The General Approach, The Personal Narrative, Identity and the Other, Your role in your social context and Our role as global citizens.
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