Documentaries
“The Law and the Prophets” documentary
The Law and the Prophets amplifies the voices of the brave, determined individuals who are trying to expose the destructive, unjust, and sometimes invisible ways in which Israel exploits and oppresses Palestinians. They deserve your attention.
“My Tree” documentary tracks a JNF donation to its final destination
My Tree follows Jason Sherman’s journey to find the tree that was planted in his name in Israel many years earlier. When he discovers that it stands on the remains of a Palestinian village that was destroyed in 1967, he embarks on another journey — to determine his responsibility in helping to cover up the destruction.
“H2: The Occupation Lab” documentary examines Israel’s control of Hebron
H2 is the name given to the eastern part of Hebron, the only Palestinian urban area which remains under full Israeli military control, due to the presence of several hundred settlers. Through rare archive footage and interviews with Hebron’s military commanders, “H2: The Occupation Lab” tells the story of a place which is both a microcosm for the entire conflict, and a test lab for methods of control implemented in the West Bank.
“Palestine 1920: The Other Side of the Palestinian Story”, an Al-Jazeera documentary
“A land without a people, and a people without a land” is how the relationship between Palestine and the Jewish people was described by Christian writers in the 1800s. And the 20th-century history of the Middle East has largely been written through these eyes. But this film from Al Jazeera Arabic looks at Palestine from a different angle. It hears from historians and witness accounts, and features archive documents that show Palestine as a thriving province of Greater Syria and the Ottoman Empire at the dawn of the 20th century.
“Tantura” documentary meticulously documents a 1948 Israeli massacre
When Israeli graduate student Teddy Katz meticulously documented a massacre of Palestinian civilians surrounding Israel’s independence, he was initially celebrated for his groundbreaking work. But soon, he was stripped of his degrees and was publicly shamed as a fraudulent traitor. Decades later, incendiary new evidence emerges to corroborate Teddy’s initial findings, not just vindicating him, but raising profound questions about how Israelis — and we all — deal with the darker chapters of history.
“Boycott” documentary highlights those challenging the wave of US anti-boycott legislation
Boycott traces the impact of state legislation designed to penalize individuals and companies that choose to boycott Israel due to its human rights record. A legal thriller with “accidental plaintiffs” at the center of the story, Boycott is a bracing look at the far-reaching implications of anti-boycott legislation and an inspiring tale of everyday Americans standing up to protect our rights in an age of shifting politics and threats to freedom of speech.
“Born in Deir Yassin” documentary now available online
The traumatic story of Deir Yassin, the Palestinian village located near Jerusalem that was invaded, conquered, and emptied by Jewish underground fighters in April 1948, is told through first-hand testimonies by Jewish fighters who participated and youths who were sent in to “mop up” the dead. In parallel, the film tells the story of Dror Nissan, a man who tries to discover the secrets of his origins by visiting the Israeli government psychiatric hospital built on the grounds of Deir Yassin in 1951.
“‘Til Kingdom Come” documentary looks at US Evangelical impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Pastors encourage an impoverished Kentucky community, “The forgotten people of America”, to donate to Israel in anticipation of Jesus’s impending return. The film exposes the controversial bond between Evangelicals and Jews, in a story of faith, power and money, revealing how Trump’s America is led by an End-Times apocalyptic countdown.
“Incitement” documentary tells the story of Rabin’s assassin, Yigal Amir
Acclaimed Israeli writer-director Yaron Zilberman (“A Late Quartet”) chronicles the disturbing descent of a promising law student to an intransigent ultranationalist obsessed with murdering his country’s leader, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. “Incitement” is a gripping and unnerving look through the eyes of a murderer who silenced a powerful voice for peace.
“1948: Creation & Catastrophe” documentary
Through riveting and moving personal recollections of both Palestinians and Israelis, 1948: Creation & Catastrophe tells the story of the establishment of Israel as seen through the eyes of the people who lived it. This documentary was the last chance for many of its Israeli and Palestinian characters to narrate their first-hand accounts of the creation of a state and the expulsion of a nation.
“The Lobby (USA)”, a leaked Al-Jazeera investigation exposing Israel’s influence on US politicians
In late 2018, online Palestinian news site The Electronic Intifada obtained a complete copy of The Lobby – USA, a four-part undercover investigation by Al Jazeera into Israel’s covert influence campaign in the United States, made during 2016 and was completed in October 2017 but censored after Qatar, the gas-rich Gulf emirate that funds Al Jazeera, came under intense Israel lobby pressure not to air the film.
“Broken: A Palestinian Journey Through International Law” documentary reviewed on Mondoweiss
Although much has been written about the Wall, few efforts have sought to dig deeper into why States turned a blind eye to all its illegalities, which were clearly ingredients for a troubling road ahead, as we are now witnessing. Mohammed Alatar has taken this aspect of the Wall head on in a newly released documentary titled, “BROKEN”. Watch the trailer and read Sam’s article on Mondoweiss.
“Looted and Hidden” documentary – ABSOLUTELY STUNNING FOOTAGE – A MUST SEE
Can’t figure out those Palestinians? Maybe this short film by Dr. Rona Sela, an Israeli curator, researcher of visual history and culture, and lecturer at Tel Aviv University, can help. Rona found stolen and ‘imprisoned’ photos and film footage in the Israeli military archives. The film features Khadijeh Habashneh and Sabri Jiryis.
“From Balfour to Banksy” documentary examines the UK’s historical impact on Palestinians
This film looks at the losers in Palestine a century after Britain’s ‘Balfour Declaration’. And, 50 years after the end of the 1967 war, it records some of the realities of life for millions of contemporary Palestinians who still live in a military zone – who live behind a wall, in limited and stressful conditions, and with seriously compromised human rights.
“The Occupation of the American Mind” documentary looks at Israel’s public relations war in the USA
Over the past few years, Israel’s ongoing military occupation of Palestinian territory and repeated invasions of the Gaza strip have triggered a fierce backlash against Israeli policies virtually everywhere in the world — except the United States. The Occupation of the American Mind takes an eye-opening look at this critical exception, zeroing in on pro-Israel public relations efforts within the U.S.
“This is Palestine” documentary reminds us of the real people behind the daily headlines and statistics
A new documentary well worth the watch. Nothing new here for anyone aware of ground zero in Palestine or has been awake the past 50 years, but footage of some heart-wrenching scenes reminds us all that there are real people behind the daily headlines and statistics. 49:42 minutes.
“The Settlers”, a new Shimon Dotan documentary
Following Israel’s decisive victory in 1967’s Six-Day War, hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens have settled the occupied territories of the West Bank. Filmmaker Shimon Dotan benefits from an unprecedented access to the pioneers of the colonization movement and to both religious and secular colonists. The Settlers is an in-depth exploration of these communities that have taken hostage of the socio-political future of Israel and Palestine today.
“The Lobby (UK)” – An absolute MUST WATCH from Al-Jazeera Investigations!
Al Jazeera Investigations exposes how the Israel lobby influences British politics. A six-month undercover investigation reveals how Israel penetrates different levels of British democracy.
“Two Blue Lines” documentary explores the impact of Jewish settlement on the Palestinians
From filmmaker Tom Hayes: “Filmed over 25 years, this expansive and incisive film explores the impact of Jewish settlement on the Palestinians, from before the creation of the state of Israel to the present day. What emerges is a picture of a desperate social and political struggle punctuated by violence and segregation.” By primarily featuring the narratives of Israelis whose positions run counter to their country’s official policy, Tom Hayes provides a portrait of the ongoing conflict not often depicted in mainstream media. 1 hr 39 min, 2015.
“Between the Lines”, a documentary about Israel education in U.S. Jewish Day Schools
Between The Lines offers a deep-dive into how Jewish Day Schools teach Israel’s controversial narrative, and the students who emerge with quivering loyalty toward their community and the State.
“Native Sons: Palestinians in Exile” documentary highlights the Palestinian Diaspora experience
This documentary explores how Palestinians became refugees in 1948, their experiences since that time, and their hopes for the future. It provides a conduit for rarely heard voices illuminating the malignant roots of the ongoing Palestinian/Israeli conflict.
“Lost Cities of Palestine” documentary from Al-Jazeera World looks at pre-1948 city life
Lost Cities of Palestine is an extraordinary insight into Palestinian life in the city before 1948, revealing the loss of a culture and lifestyle. Rarely seen archival footage accompanies memories and accounts of forgotten Palestinian cities—highlighting the catastrophic effect the creation of Israel in 1948 had on them.
“Stone Cold Justice”, ABC News Australia’s investigation into Israel’s treatment of Palestinian children
The Israeli army is both respected and feared as a fighting force. But now the country’s military is facing a backlash at home and abroad for its treatment of children in the West Bank, occupied territory. A joint investigation by Four Corners and The Australian newspaper reveals evidence that shows the army is targeting Palestinian boys for arrest and detention.
“5 Broken Cameras” documentary is a first-hand account of life and non-violent resistance in Bil’in
The first-ever Palestinian film to be nominated for best Documentary Feature by A.M.P.A.S®, the critically-acclaimed 5 BROKEN CAMERAS is a deeply personal, first-hand account of life and non-violent resistance in Bil’in, a West Bank village surrounded by Israeli settlements. Shot by Palestinian farmer Emad Burnat, who bought his first camera in 2005 to record the birth of his youngest son, Gibreel, the film was co-directed by Burnat and Guy Davidi, an Israeli filmmaker.
“The Lab” documents Israel’s profitable weapons testing in the West Bank and Gaza Strip
Yotam Feldman’s investigative documentary reveals how the Israeli military occupation in Palestine has become a business rather than a burden.
“The Gatekeepers” documentary offers interviews with six former Shin Bet heads
For the first time ever, six former heads of the Shin Bet, Israel’s secret service agency, agree to share their insights and reflect publicly on their actions and decisions. Intimately interviewed, Dror Moreh’s Oscar-nominated documentary sheds light on the controversy surrounding the Occupation in the aftermath of the Six Day War.
“Some of My Best Friends Are Zionists” documentary – A MUST WATCH
A film by Professor Bruce Robbins about Jewish Americans who’ve changed their minds about Israel.
“The Law in These Parts” documentary unravels Israel’s intricate system of military control
Through archival footage and interviews with Israeli military judges, prosecutors and legal advisors, THE LAW IN THESE PARTS unravels an intricate system of military control that symbolizes one of the most enduring and damaging conflicts of our time, and examines what happens when measures driven by security considerations become permanent reality.
“Jerusalem: City of David” investigation by CBS’ “60 Minutes”
CBS 60 Minutes’ Lesley Stahl reports from under the city of Jerusalem from a controversial archeological dig that has become a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“To See If I Am Smiling” documentary & article (A MUST VIEW/READ)
“…I served there because my parents brought me up on the values of Zionism, on the idea that wherever I’m most needed is where I should go. I wanted to make a difference and I’d do it again despite everything.”
“Al-Nakba”, an Al-Jazeera documentary series on the ‘Catastrophe’ of 1948 that led to dispossession and enduring conflict
For Palestinians, 1948 marks the ‘Nakba’ or the ‘Catastrophe’, when hundreds of thousands were forced out of their homes. But for Israelis, the same year marks the creation of their own state. This series attempts to present an understanding of the events of the past that are still shaping the present.
“Defamation”, the latest Yoav Shamir documentary, examines misuse of the term “anti-semitism”
What is anti-Semitism today, two generations after the Holocaust? In his continuing exploration of modern Israeli life, director Yoav Shamir (Checkpoint, 5 Days, Flipping Out) travels the world in search of the most modern manifestations of the “oldest hatred”, and comes up with some startling answers.
“Chronicles of a Refugee” documentary now available online
From the directors: “This film series is an unprecedented effort; a kind of people’s history of the Palestinian refugee experience on the global level. Rather than focusing on one camp or one country, we filmed all over the world to put together a social history, and then to tackle some major issues facing Palestinians today, including difficult, often taboo subjects.”
“Jerusalem: The East Side Story” documentary now on DVD via the web
You may recall the review I wrote about the excellent documentary Jerusalem: The East Side Story, “Dispossession, Occupation, and a Challenge to Survive.” Well, I write today, as promised, to advise that it is now on DVD.
“Two Schools in Nablus”, an Al-Jazeera Witness Special documentary
Dear friends, Education is a RIGHT!! I highly urge you all to watch this documentary about how Palestinians are struggling, NON-VIOLENTLY, to get a basic education and remain sane in this insane reality of Israeli occupation. Nablus is in the West Bank. Multiply what you see here by 100 and you can start to imagine the Gaza and Hebron reality.
“In the Spider’s Web”, Al-Haq’s documentary now on YouTube!
In the Spider’s Web is a 47-minute long documentary produced in 2004 by Al-Haq and directed by Hannah Musleh. The film is part of Al-Haq’s campaign to stop collective punishment practiced by Israeli occupying forces against Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
“Jerusalem… The East Side Story”, a documentary review
The audience anxiously awaited the lights to be turned out and the film to start. One constituency that was clearly missing was Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza. Those from Bethlehem, Ramallah, Nablus, Jericho, Gaza, Rafah, and Hebron are all prohibited by Israeli regulations from entering Jerusalem without special permits that are rarely issued.
“The Diaries of Yossef Nachmani” documentary looks at the man responsible for settling the Galilee
A look into the complex and contradictory personality of Yossef Nachmani, the man largely responsible for the first Zionist settlements in the Galilee. As director of the Jewish National Fund office in the Galilee, Nachmani acquired as much land from Arabs as possible to establish Jewish settlements upon it.
“The Shadow of the West”, a documentary written by Edward Said
Edward Said traces the course of European involvement with the Near East via the Crusades to Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt and the French and English entrepreneurs, adventurers and empire builders who came in his wake. Its main focus is on the plight of the Palestinians which can be seen as the most enduring residue of the modern encounter between the Arabs and the West.