Film as Resource for Israel/Palestine

by Brenda Bentz

Email: BBBentz@comcast.net

The power of using film as a resource lies in the absence of information in the media. To have an opinion about an issue people need both facts about an issue and a way to visualize the narrative and develop a sense of empathy with the people involved. Currently, sound bites in the evening news push for an emotional kick without the need to think about an issue. Or talking heads give two points of view while the interviewer makes little effort to dig deeper or to clarify the value assumptions of those interviewed.

So the first question in offering a film is what do you want to accomplish? Are you providing basic information? Trying to establish a connection between the viewer and the people affected? Create curiosity? Connect this issue with others (Empire. Colonialism. Occupation. Racism. International human rights)? What is your purpose?

And who do you hope reach?

Foundation
Our group had to work through our shared value assumptions. Several members had a hard time criticizing Israel although they have no trouble criticizing the United States. Swinging from one underdog to another might be emotionally titillating but it won’t offer a solid foundation. Pay attention to the difference between the adrenaline rush of anger that can feel energizing but be counter-productive, and the frustration that goes with a commitment to justice. Working together to find shared values matters.

Is anti-Semitism an issue in the group? If it is, talk about it. Deal with it openly.

Did the pictures of the holocaust cause such childhood pain that compassion ends with the Jews and doesn’t extend to others who suffer? That was a big issue in our group.

What is the most basic value assumption? International human rights? Sacred land? Religious roots?

Take time to talk and find the foundation for your effort because you will be challenged about it as you proceed. And knowing where you stand will help you keep your focus.

Studs
For our group, two issues mattered: international human rights and maintaining a Christian community that is indigenous to Jesus’ homeland. But as we proceeded we found that our focus was on the former because it would take care of the latter.

Few people in any one group will read many books or have time to view a great many films. We spent many Fridays sharing supper and looking at a movie. Arab Film Distribution (arabfilm.com) provided films, information, suggestions and very reasonable rental prices for an educational setting. The issue is so depressing that coming together to share social time is important. Beer and pizza matter!

As the group educates itself, it can decide if it wants to focus on a weekend workshop, a series, a single evening at their church or local library.

Designing a program needs to fit the resources - time, energy, money, space – available to the group.

At this point, the questions your series will explore will come into focus.

We came up with:

Historical context
Why we don’t know what we don’t know
The experience of occupation for the occupied and the occupier
Land as the issue
What can we do as Americans

We looked at films that illustrated each of those points and started to think about who could talk about each subject. We refused requests that we use speakers to provide “balance”. My response is that Americans know a great deal about Israel already and that we can’t come to the table until we know more about Palestine. Instead we used speakers who knew the situation and shared our values. We had both Palestinians and Israelis lead the discussions after each film.

There are so many fine films and it is important to find them. A second-rate film with a few good scenes isn’t good enough.

Walls and Windows
We designed a weekend workshop confident that our parish church would welcome it. And we were blocked by staff who feared criticism by “the Jewish community” – as if it were a monolithic community.

That experience clarified another value assumption. It mattered to us that we find the time and space to tell our story well. Our experience of the pressure for “balance” had been that a debate-style format made it impossible to look at the issue with any depth or with compassion for those suffering today. Working with American and Israeli Jews who shared our values was key to our success.

The search for a venue became an exercise in finding individuals and institutions with political courage. We found individuals who were supportive but whose church or library or community club was not. Finding the right match takes time.

We were very lucky to find the head of Campus Ministry at Seattle University who understood the project in its greatest depth and breadth, who was used to taking risks for social justice issues and had a skilled staff for doing the nitty-gritty details.

And we planned a program that fit the venue. We had soup and bread supper at round tables so on the first night we put a key on each table and invited a Palestinian to sit at each table to tell their story. That gave an immediate personal connection to the issue. Because we had students, we changed the opening film to Goal Dreams, the story of the Palestinian Soccer team, and invited the college team to come in their uniforms. Etc.

The point is to care about the people we are meeting. In the movies, at the tables, afterwards when people linger to talk.

More people came each week. Mostly newcomers. And all ages.

We reached them mostly though the Internet. And with a brightly colored, appealing flier. No barbed wire and tears. Not for an invitation to come and learn.

Ventilation
Disruption came from a supporter who was rude to an Israeli panelist. A moderator who can require respectful discussion is critical. We also had a few incidents where Palestinians who had survived trauma had flashbacks. We had another Palestinian alerted to be available for comfort and safety. And for ourselves, there was the satisfaction of creating a successful event and meeting wonderful people who are now part of our lives.

Our event was complex. Don’t hesitate to jump in at your own level of interest and time. Showing films being previewed with the director present is another very good draw. And one that is available through groups like Sabeel. A few movies in your living room with friends will ripple out. And it will all be rewarding.

Just get started and you will find your way.

For help you can mail me bbbentz@comcast.net
or Betsy Mayfield betmayf@aol.com