Understanding the Palestinian – Israeli conflict, surprisingly, can be easily achieved. While there are many books, articles, and blog posts on the subject, through the medium of moving pictures we can take in a broad sweep of events in a short time. The questions we are left with, of course, can be researched further in books and on the Internet. Film, however, is the quickest way to begin to get a grasp of the issues and complexities behind and within the conflict.
We recommend starting with the video ‘The Land Speaks
Arabic.’ The very idea of
creating a modern, secular, geo-political Israeli State in Palestine is only a little more than 100
years old. Our review as well as links
to more information can be found on the post titled, ‘History.’ http://boycott4peace.blogspot.com/2015/02/history.html
To begin to bring your understanding up to current times,
our next film recommendation is ‘Five Broken Cameras.’ This film shows the landscape of Palestine,
the plight of the Indigenous people still living on their traditional lands
today, and their struggle against Israel’s relentless oppression and
annexation. Our review and links to more
information can be found here: http://boycott4peace.blogspot.com/2014/11/5-broken-cameras.html
Palestinian youth also have a story to tell. ‘Slingshot Hip
Hop’ shares the story of their efforts to find their voice, not just among
Palestinian people, but also in and related to the wider world where many of us
are engaged in resisting racism and oppression. In the film we begin to grasp the effects of
Israeli ethnic cleansing on the families that have been displaced within Israel as well as in the West Bank and Gaza, and we get a glimpse of what it
is like to live under the illegal Israeli occupation. We get a good look at the separation walls,
the check points, the lack of consistent electricity, and what the effects are
on the people’s lives. The Palestinian Hip
Hop movement is traced from its infancy up to today, where it has become a
powerful voice. A powerful voice that is ignored by mainstream media.
"When delivering
a message, art is more effective than violence.
I consider art to be
the most important messenger.
Violence only breeds
more violence and destruction."
The movie starts out in Arabic. After the title shot, there are subtitles in English as well as versions which can be purchased with French of Spanish subtitles. A portion of the music and discussion is also in English. You can view the official trailer here: http://www.slingshothiphop.com/trailer/
"Tears can't extinguish hope."
'Slingshot Hip Hop' is an important part of the education of anyone who wants to understand the Palestinian - Israeli conflict today. Available on request from most public libraries and wherever you normally rent movies. Copies can also be purchased for home use, by educational institutions and libraries, as well as non-profit organizations. For more information please see: http://www.slingshothiphop.com/dvd/
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Image Credits:
The reel to reel film photo is from Wikimedia Commons.
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Image Credits:
The reel to reel film photo is from Wikimedia Commons.
All other images are from Slingshot Hip Hop's web page.
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For all our posts about films or that include information on
films, please see:
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Participate! If you have a favorite Palestinian DVD, especially if it tells a part of the story we haven’t covered yet, please use the comments section below to tell us about it. We may be able to feature your recommendation in an up-coming blog post.
Participate! If you have a favorite Palestinian DVD, especially if it tells a part of the story we haven’t covered yet, please use the comments section below to tell us about it. We may be able to feature your recommendation in an up-coming blog post.
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