25 October 2012
The video, Palestinian Refugees: Time to return now, includes interviews with Palestinians young and old and men and women, interspersed with archive footage. They talk about moments in their history, their daily travails such as the plight of young Palestinians legally barred from working, and moments of lightheartedness.
The filmmakers spoke to Palestinians in the refugee camps of Shatila, Burj al-Barajneh, Mar Elias, Nahr al-Bared, Ain al-Hilweh and Rachidiyeh.
I found the interview with an elderly woman towards the end of the film particularly moving. As she speaks she holds a picture of a son who gave his life for Palestine.
It is clear that the picture was taken in the 1970s. It’s a poignant reminder of how many families have made sacrifices over so many years, and yet justice still seems so far away. But she is unbroken. “We are Palestinian,” she says, “Shout it from the rooftops!”
You can also watch the film in French.
An earlier video by the same filmmakers, Free in the Prison of Gaza, profiles released Palestinian prisoners in Gaza.
