“Where Should the Birds Fly?” Fida Qishta’s documentary about Gaza during and after Cast Lead is showing Monday at Columbia University in New York. I think it’s wonderful– because it involves you in family life. From the promotion of the event:
In December of 2008 Israel launched a devastating attack on Gaza. A month of bullets, bombs, rockets, white phosphorus, tanks and bulldozers left 1400, mostly civilians, dead and this section of Occupied Palestine in rubble. Where Should the Birds Fly? is a compelling and moving Palestinian film based on the story of two remarkable young women, the future of Palestine, who personify the struggle to maintain humanity, humor and hope, to find some degree of normality in the brutal abnormality that has been imposed on them and Palestinians.
FIDA QISHTA is a Palestinian filmmaker/videographer who was born in Rafah, Gaza. She began her video work as a wedding photographer in the Gaza Strip, and then began accompanying human rights observers in Gaza, documenting their work…
Screening followed by a discussion with Fida Qishta. Moderated by Noemi Artal, CPS Visiting Scholar.
And here’s my take on the film:
The film follows Qishta’s own development from the girlhood experience of seeing her house destroyed by bulldozers to the discovery of her vocation, work as a wedding photographer that leads in turn to her documenting the slaughter of the Israeli operation called Cast Lead in 2009. Then Qishta finds the other focus of the film, the softspoken 10-year-old Mona al-Samouni, who when asked how many of her family were killed in the al-Samouni massacre of Cast Lead, says, “Not many,” before reciting a list beginning with her mother and father. The film will give pause to anyone who dares to write off an entire society as terrorists or fundamentalists.
I’m glad the film is finally out. I’ve been wanting to see it and have been following its progress.
Everyone go see it if you can! She is amazing and has worked incredibly hard to get this great film out in the world. A true voice from Gaza.
when’s it coming to the bay area?
Lest anyone forget, Hamas’s Operation Oil Stain preceded Operation Cast Lead.
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=207221
Sumud says:
March 23, 2013 at 11:50 am
“Do you really think you can spout this hasbara crap here and not be corrected? People aren’t really as dumb as you hope.”
SPOUT
to gush forth in a rapid stream or in spurts. 2. To discharge a liquid or other substance continuously or in spurts. 3. Informal To speak volubly and tediously. v.tr.
SPROUT
To begin to grow; give off shoots or buds. 2. To emerge and develop rapidly. v.tr. To cause to come forth and grow.
to spout or sprout
to fly upon an eagles wing
down below voices of hope do sing
softly first as we soar
swooping closer to hear the roar
of freedoms mighty call
one land for all