Embark on a compelling journey through the lens of impactful storytelling with our curated list of must-watch documentaries on Palestine. From the untold narratives of resilience to the unwavering hope that defines the heart of this historic land, these films illuminate the diverse facets of Palestinian life. Join us as we amplify voices and narratives deserving of global attention, fostering empathy and understanding in a world united for justice.
1.
1948: Creation & Catastrophe
Through riveting and moving personal recollections of both Palestinians and Israelis, 1948: Creation & Catastrophe reveals the shocking events of the most pivotal year in the most controversial conflict in the world. It tells the story of the establishment of Israel as seen through the eyes of the people who lived it. But rather than being a history lesson, this documentary is a primer for the present. It is simply not possible to make sense of what is happening today without an understanding of 1948.
2.
Gaza Film - A heartfelt chronicle of life under political siege
Gaza brings us into a unique place beyond the reach of television news reports to reveal a world rich with eloquent and resilient characters, offering us a cinematic and enriching portrait of a people attempting to lead meaningful lives against the rubble of perennial conflict.
3.
Tantura
In 1948, hundreds of Palestinian villages were depopulated and erased. The film investigates the massacre at the Palestinian village of Tantura in the 1948 Nakba and the dogged work of one Israeli researcher to expose the truth.
4.
Gaza Fights For Freedom
Filmed during the height of the Great March Of Return protests, it features exclusive footage of demonstrations where 200 unarmed civilians have been killed by Israeli snipers since March 30, 2018.
5.
The Iron Wall
The Iron Wall documentary examines the effects of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. It follows the timeline, size, population of the settlements, and its impact on the peace process. This film also touches on the latest project to make the settlements a permanent fact on the ground - the wall that Israel is building in the West Bank and its impact on the Palestinian's peoples.
6.
Five Broken Cameras
A documentary on a Palestinian farmer's chronicle of his nonviolent resistance to the actions of the Israeli army.
7.
Jenin, Jenin
Jenin Jenin, directed and co-produced by Palestinian actor and director Mohamed Bakri, includes testimony from Jenin residents after the Israeli army's attack on Jenin refugee camp in April 2002. The operation ended with Jenin flattened and scores of Palestinians dead. Palestinians as well as numerous human rights groups accused Israel of committing war crimes on the camp. Jenin Jenin shows the extent to which the prolonged oppression and terror has affected the state of mind of the Palestinian inhabitants of Jenin.
8.
Born in Gaza
Filmed shortly after the 2014 Gaza war, this documentary examines how violence has transformed the lives of 10 Palestinian children. Available on Netflix.
9.
Roof Knocking
This harrowing, acclaimed short set in Gaza follows a woman as she prepares prepares a meal for her family to break the fast in the month of Ramadan when a phone call by an Israeli soldier alerts her that her building will be bombed in 10 minutes.
10. The Present
Powerful short film (available on Netflix): Yusuf and his daughter set out to buy his wife an anniversary gift, a gesture demanding much patience and negotiation skills in the West Bank.
11. Is Israel an Apartheid State
Produced by Al Jazeera, this documentary looks at what "Apartheid" means and and whether they truly apply to Israel or not.
12.
The Israel-Palestine conflict
A brief animated introduction to the history of Israel settling in Palestine. Produced by Jewish Voice for Peace.
We hope you have enjoyed our list of documentary and film. Stay tuned for the next segment of this six-part series where we've compiled a list of books and book categories to give you an even deeper perspective of real life accounts, historical facts about the Nakba of 1948, to on going activism resources.
For emergency relief, please donate to the following charities that are currently on the ground providing aid:
UNRWA
Islamic Relief
Medical Aid for Palestine and
JustGiving: MAP
International Development & Relief Foundation (IDRF)
HCI
MATW Project