Rounding off SAFAR Film Festival’s masterclass events with Palestinian cinematic legend Mohammed Bakri is a chance to see one of his most courageous contributions from behind the camera, followed by a Q&A with the director.
March 2002: The Israeli troops have marched into the Palestinian refugee camp of Jenin, razing the largest part of the camp to the ground and killing scores of civilians. Israel has been accused of committing war crimes, prompting the United Nations to assign an independent commission to visit the camp. But Israel has forbidden it.
Filmmaker Mohammed Bakri visits the demolished camp and interviews survivors of all ages. Men, women, children address the harrowing days they have gone through, the anger and fear that they have experienced, but also the sentiment of being completely left alone by the Arab and the international community.
Jenin, Jenin is dedicated to the memory of Iyad Samudi, the film’s executive producer, who was shot and killed after the production of the film was wrapped. Long banned by the Israeli Film Board, Mohammad Bakri’s poignant documentary remains a powerful statement on the plight of the Palestinians in their continuous quest for liberation.
Content notice: this film contains footage and discussion of graphic military violence, gunshots and explosions, scenes of injury and dead bodies, depictions of torture, violence and trauma.