Janin Jenin
Special Screening
Mohammed Bakri / Feature Documentary / Palestine / 2024 / 60 min
In Arabic / English subtitles
Interests: Documentary
MENA Premiere
Rated: Mature subject matter. Not suitable for minors. Individuals under the age of 18 are not admitted into cinemas.
Synopsis
Director Mohammad Bakri revisits the Jenin refugee camp, reflecting on the devastation caused by Israel's 2023 military invasion. Building on the framework of his 2002 documentary ‘Jenin, Jenin’, this new film captures the ongoing struggle of the camp’s residents as they recount their experiences of destruction, loss, and resistance. Divided into four parts, the documentary begins by revisiting the events of ‘Jenin, Jenin’, followed by an exploration of the legal challenges Bakri has faced for over two decades. The third section presents a historical overview of the Palestinian refugee crisis since 1948.
The final segment—focusing on the testimonies of those who endured the latest military offensive—reveals the personal toll of continuous conflict. Bakri’s empathetic direction allows these voices to emerge with unfiltered emotional power, shedding light on the persistence of suffering under occupation. While the film confronts difficult truths, it serves as an essential perspective on a conflict too often seen through a single lens. ‘Janin Jenin’ challenges audiences to consider the deeper, human implications of an enduring political struggle.
About the Directors
Mohammad Bakri, born in 1953 in Bi'ina, Palestine, is a celebrated actor and filmmaker known for his bold portrayals of the Palestinian experience. He studied acting and Arabic literature at Tel Aviv University, graduating in 1976, and went on to star in both Arabic and Hebrew films. His 2002 documentary ‘Jenin, Jenin’ sparked controversy for its depiction of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite legal battles, Bakri continues to use cinema as a platform to voice Palestinian narratives. ‘Janin Jenin’ is his latest exploration of life in occupied territories.
Credits
- Director
- Mohammed Bakri
- Screenwriter
- Mohammed Bakri
- Producer
- Mohammed Bakri
- Cinematographer
- Mahmoud Bakri, Ziad Bakri
- Editor
- Mahmoud Bakri
- Sound
- Yazan Faris
- Mixing
- Issam Murad, John Handal
- Other
- Izz Aljabari (Creatine and Production Consultant)