With Hamas’ offensive against Israel last Saturday (7), Israeliimposed apartheid in Palestine once again became the main topic of world news. Given the West’s propensity to defend the Zionist perspective in the conflict, supported by the US cultural industry, it is difficult to understand what is troubling the Palestinians.
Without being able to count on the commitment of the commercial press to cover the conflict, cinema has become an important refuge to respect the Palestinian perspective and tell their stories.
:: Israel attacks health services in Gaza; Organizations talk about system collapse ::
The most important productions about the conflict that transport viewers to Palestine have been made this century, with a focus on Paraíso Agora, which was nominated for and won some of the most important cinema awards.
Check out the relationship:
The Lemon Tree (2008)
Based on true events, the film tells the story of a Palestinian widow who lives on Israel’s West Bank border and makes a living from her lemon plantation. His life changes completely when the Israeli defense minister moves in next to him. Israeli intelligence decides that it is necessary to demolish the plantation to protect the minister. The film thus begins to portray the conflict between neighbors as a metaphor for the entanglement between Israel and Palestine.
Director: Eran Riklis
:: More than 120,000 Palestinians have left their homes in Gaza since Saturday; Israeli offensive expected to strengthen ::
Checkpoint (2003)
The documentary shows the routine humiliation, degradation of basic rights and constant disregard for human dignity suffered by Palestinians subject to Israeliimposed apartheid. The film was shot at Israelimanaged checkpoints where Palestinians must pass to buy food, go to the doctor or obtain documents.
Director: Yoav Shamir
:: “Israel has never been so pressured and cornered,” says Arab history expert ::
Paradise Now (2005)
Two childhood friends, Palestinians Khaled and Said, decide to take part in a suicide attack in Israel, but do not complete the mission and are separated. The film begins with the failed attack, with the two young people desperate and bombs strapped to their bodies. Shot in Nablus, Palestine, the film presents the challenge of telling the story and motivations of the men who choose to commit suicide during attacks on Israel.
Director: Hany AbuAssad
:: After Israel declared war, the number of dead is in the thousands ::
Five Broken Cameras (2011)
A farmer from Bil’in in the West Bank buys a camera to record his son’s growth in 2005. But next door, Israel begins building a wall, disturbing residents of the area who go there every week to protest. The farmer documented the protests and his family’s relationship to the demonstrations for two years. Five cameras were destroyed in clashes with the Israeli army.
Director: Emad Bornat
:: Everyday life of terror: In Palestine, even football is divided due to the Israeli occupation ::
Shoot an Elephant (2009)
The documentary follows sensitive moments of Operation Cast Lead. The episode is known as the 2008 Gaza massacre, when Israel resumed bombing the region after a sixmonth ceasefire, killing thousands of Palestinians.
Directed by Alberto Arce and Mohammad Rujailah
Editor: Thalita Pires
