Leeds Palestinian Film Festival brings 11 films to Leeds, many for the first time.
Leeds is one of only four UK cities to have a Palestinian Film Festival.
Women from the Leeds Republica football team who visited women footballers in the West Bank will be here to discuss ‘Balls, Bulldozers and Barriers’, the film of their visit.
The Festival films highlight Palestinian history, politics, and resistance.
- they offer insights into unexpected aspects of everyday life: women footballers, surfers in Gaza, entering the Arab ‘X-factor’, moving a sofa, and stirring stories of resistance
- they are showing at eight different venues in and around Leeds ranging from Leeds Town Hall to the Old Fire Station in Gipton, and from Otley to Wakefield
- many events are ‘pay-as-you-feel’ and so accessible to people on low incomes
- at three events you can meet and talk to people who have visited Palestine and made films of what they’ve seen
- at many events, Palestinian produce such as dates, olive oil, embroidery, ceramics will be on sale, making excellent gifts
The festival launches with;
Despite strict sanctions, surfboards have been brought into Gaza offering a beleaguered community a small slice of freedom
Other highlights:
“Our first enemy is the occupation – our second enemy is the fire”
The film-maker – a South Wales firefighter who travelled with a delegation of UK firefighters to the West Bank – will attend the showing, which is being held at the newly converted ‘Old Fire Station’ in Gipton.
The Occupation of the American Mind
“One of the most compelling and important documentaries in recent years”
(John Pilger)
Narrated by Roger Waters of Pink Floyd, explores Israel’s battle for the hearts, minds and dollars of Americans.
After the film Jewish Labour Party activist and former Reuters journalist Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi will discuss how and why a moral panic about ‘antisemitism’ has taken hold in the UK.
The Idol (with Otley Film Society)
A true, gripping and heart-warming story of a young man from Gaza who dreams of singing. Overcoming many challenges, he enters the Arab ‘X-factor’ – with a nail-biting finish.
Monday 13th November – Saturday 9th December, see details of all 11 showings HERE.