Palestinian filmmakers call out Hollywood’s portrayal of their people
A united voice against dehumanization
A collective of nearly 70 Palestinian filmmakers, including notable names like Hany Abu Assad and Elia Suleiman, have come together to address a pressing issue: the dehumanization of Palestinians in Hollywood. This group has penned a powerful letter, highlighting how decades of negative portrayals have contributed to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
The letter’s significance
The letter, also endorsed by award-winning directors such as Michel Khleifi, Mai Masri, and Farah Nabulsi, condemns the inhumanity and racism exhibited by some in the Western entertainment industry. This initiative marks the first collaborative effort by Palestinian filmmakers since the tragic events of October 7, when a violent attack by Hamas led to significant loss of life and subsequent retaliatory strikes by Israel.
A call for ethical representation
Despite its critical tone, the letter acknowledges the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) for upholding freedom of expression. This comes in light of NATAS’s decision to maintain the Emmy nomination for the documentary “It’s Bisan From Gaza and I’m Still Alive,” despite pressure to disqualify it.
The documentary’s impact
The documentary, created by Palestinian journalist and filmmaker Bisan Owda, chronicles her family’s struggle amidst the bombardment in Gaza. It has been nominated for the News and Documentary Emmys for Outstanding Hard News Feature Story: Short Form. However, its nomination faced opposition from a U.S.-based pro-Israel group, which accused Owda of having ties to a designated terrorist organization.
NATAS’s stance
In response to these accusations, NATAS president Adam Sharp stated that there was no evidence to support the claims against Owda. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the editorial judgment of the independent journalists who reviewed the documentary.
The filmmakers’ message
The letter from the Palestinian filmmakers expresses gratitude to NATAS for standing firm against censorship. It underscores the importance of allowing Palestinian voices to share their narratives and bring attention to the atrocities faced by their people.
The power of cinema
The filmmakers highlight the role of cinema in shaping perceptions and countering stereotypes. They argue that for too long, Palestinians have been depicted as “worthless, disposable beings,” which has justified the crimes committed against them. Through their films, they aim to present alternative narratives and challenge the racist propaganda prevalent in Western media.
A call to action
The letter concludes with a call to the international film community to speak out against the genocide and censorship that perpetuate the suffering of Palestinians. The filmmakers urge their colleagues to stand against working with production companies that contribute to the dehumanization of Palestinians.
The signatories
The letter is signed by a diverse group of filmmakers, including:
- Michel Khleifi
- Mai Masri
- Hany Abu Assad
- Najwa Najjar
- Elia Suleiman
- Rashid Masharawi
- Farah Nabulsi
- Mohammad Bakri
- Maha Haj
- Mahdi Fleifel
- Raed Andoni
- Kamal Aljafari
- Saleh Bakri
- Mohanad Yaqubi
- Tarzan Nasser
- Arab Nasser
- Ossama Bawardi
- Rakan Mayasi
- Khadija Habashneh
- Leila Sansour
- Khaled Jarrar
- Rula Nasser
- May Odeh
- Adam Bakri
- Iyad Alasttal
- Amer Shomali
- Carol Mansour
- Muna Khalidi
- Mohamed Jabaly
- Salim abu Jabal
- Suha Arraf
- Firas Khoury
- Randa Nassar
- Yasmine Al Massri
- Wisam Al Jafari
- Ismael El Habbash
- Muayad Alayan
- Sawsan Asfari
- Kamel el Basha
- Rozeen Bisharat
- Nadia Eliewat
- Ward Kayyal
- Maryse Gargour
- Amer Hlehel
- Ziad Bakri
- Aws Al-Banna
- Ahmed Al-Danf
- Basil Al-Maqousi
- Mustafa Al-Nabih
- Muhammad Alshareef
- Ala’a Ayob
- Bashar Al-Balbeisi
- Alaa Damo
- Hana Awad
- Ahmad Hassouna
- Mustafa Kallab
- Kareem Satoum
- Mahdi Karirah
- Rabab Khamees
- Khamees Masharawi
- Wissam Moussa
- Tamer Najm
- Nidaa Abu Hasna
- Nidal Damo
- Reema Mahmoud
- E’temad Weshah
- Islam Al Zrieai
A personal reflection
As a cinema enthusiast, it’s crucial to recognize the power of film in shaping societal perceptions. The voices of these Palestinian filmmakers remind us of the importance of ethical representation and the need to challenge stereotypes. Their call to action is not just about the Palestinian cause but about ensuring that all marginalized communities are portrayed with dignity and respect.
For more information on the documentary “It’s Bisan From Gaza and I’m Still Alive,” you can watch the trailer here.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issues raised by Palestinian filmmakers and the broader implications for the film industry. By highlighting their perspectives, we can foster a more inclusive and empathetic approach to storytelling in cinema.