The Eleventh Edition of Documentary Film Festival
Among 2014’s selection of documentary films, 13 films bear witness to various topics of women’s rights: artistry, conflict resolution, combating gender based violence, addressing the impact of occupation on women and their contribution to protection under the UNSCR 1325, and filmmaking itself as a tool for advocacy.
The 11th edition of the documentary film festival is organized by An-Najah National University and the Center for Women-Nablus Municipality in partnership with UNFPA. These partners strive to raise women’s voices “because everyone counts.” The festival is held every year in An-Najah National University and it brings human rights issues to life through the power of storytelling for a diverse crowd. It is a highly anticipated event screening creative films by students which express concerns about Palestinian issues and aspirations for their own futures.
During the event, the festival team selected the three best documentaries. The young director Annan Natsheh earned first place for his film “Bass Bekafi” (It’s Enough), which deals with the stories of victims of sexual abuse in childhood and a reflection on their lives from a community perspective. A female student Nagham Kilani won second place for her film “Sahwa” (Awakening) which discusses the status of divorced women in Arab and Palestinian society. A female young director, Wajdan Samara, took third place with her film “Flastini Mahdoum,” (The Digested Palestinian) which tells about a artistically talented young Palestinian man who he is suffering from the lack of opportunities with institutions that sponsor art in Palestine.
Alongside the screenings, the 11th edition of the Documentary Film Festival held discussions between film directors and the audience to showcase their art and encourage the continued value of freedom of expression in Palestinian society. Atef Salameh, a lecturer from the Faculty of Media, highlighted the potential of documentary film to impact Palestinians’ lives, suggesting that “documentary film has a big role to play with social change, but does not receive enough interest and attention in our country.”
In conclusion, the festival organizers expressed their appreciation to UNFPA for supporting the film festival and contributing to the empowerment of Palestinians, specifically in supporting the youth generation as agents for social change towards human rights and gender equity.
