All Films

Budrus (Budrus)

World Panorama

Julia Bacha / Feature Documentary / U.S.A., Palestine / 2009 / 79 min / Color / HDCAM
In Arabic, Hebrew, English / English, Arabic subtitles
Interests: Documentary, Middle Eastern, Politics, Female Director
Qatar Premiere
Rated: Parental guidance is advised for viewers under the age of 13. Individuals under the age of 13 are not admitted into cinemas unless accompanied by an individual aged 18 or older.

Synopsis

At the border between Israel and the Palestinian territories, the Israeli government was building a wall that snaked through several Palestinian villages. Budrus, population 1,500, stood to lose 300 acres and 3,000 of its olive trees deemed crucial to the town's survival. Resident Ayed Morrar - whose activism previously landed him in prison - was determined to act. Entire families become involved in Morrar's decidedly nonviolent protest, including his own teenage daughter. Award-winning documentarian Julia Bacha engagingly produced an inspirational film, with raw, handheld video capturing the chaos at the front lines as Israeli soldiers' nightsticks started flying and rubber bullets gave way to real ones. Soon rival parties Fatah and Hamas, Western activists, and even groups of Israelis were united peaceably behind the citizens of Budrus, allowing us a galvanizing glimpse into the power of ordinary people to peaceably fight for extraordinary changes in one of the most war-torn parts of the world.

Official Film Website

About the Directors

Julia Bacha
Bacha, New York-based Brazilian filmmaker, wrote and edited the critically acclaimed "Control Room" as well as wrote and co-directed the award-winning 2006 documentary "Encounter Point." She studied Middle Eastern history and politics at Columbia University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa.

Credits

Director

Julia Bacha

Screenwriter

Julia Bacha

Producer

Ronit Avni, Julia Bacha, Rula Salameh

Editor

Geeta Gandbhir

Associate Producer

Jessica Devaney, Anat Langer-Gal, Rebekah Wingert, Daniel Chalfen

Executive Producer

Ronit Avni, Jehane Noujaim

Composer

Kareem Roustom

Co-Producer

Sandi DuBowski, Darius Fisher

Cinematographer

Shai Pollack, Monalisa Sundbom, Jonathan Massey, Julia Bacha, Riyad Deis, Mohammed Fawzi

Cast

Ayed Morrar, Iltezam Morrar, Kobi Snitz, Yasmine Levy, Ahmed Awwad, Doron Spielman

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