A lens into Palestinian culture is being offered at a film festival in Hoxton this week.
Screening three films different in scope, tone and message, the London Palestine Film Festival aims to display a wealth of Palestinian culture, knowledge and passion.
Irit Neidhardt, founder of MEC films, said that these films were “incredibly important for international audiences to see”. She hopes they could “slow down thinking and calm the discussion” amidst the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza.
On 24 November, the festival will screen three films by Syrian director Mohamad Malas which are set in the Golan Heights and the refugee camps of Lebanon.
The films, made in the 1970s and 1980s, act as a vital window into the troubles of the region, according to Irit. Referring to his work, Mohamad said “I think I managed to formulate a view that differs totally from other Arab and foreign contemplations.”
Irit described these films as experimental and having a dreamy or nightmarish tone in exploring the troubles faced by Palestinian refugees.
Showing on the 27 November, ALAM is a coming-of-age movie about the political awakening of a young Palestinian. It explores the complex identity of Tamer, who lives in an Arab village as a Palestinian Citizen of Israel. To please his love interest, Tamer agrees to take part in a mysterious flag operation on the eve of Israel’s Independence Day. Palestinians view this day as the loss of their homeland.
Finally, on the 30 November A Gaza Weekend will tell the story of a British journalist and his Israeli girlfriend trapped in Gaza. They found themselves there whilst escaping the outbreak of a deadly virus, which left Gaza as the safest place in the region.
Despite the serious subject of the film, it is a fast-paced comedy which approaches these topics with a sense of humour and explores the irony of the core concept.
The festival also has other screenings taking place across London. To find out more, you can go to their official website.
