Naila and The Uprising (2017). Directed by Julia Bacha. Documentary, 76 minutes.

DETAILS

Friday March 21st. 7pm start. Screening hosted by Made in Palestine.

PS Art Space, 22-26 Pakenham St, Fremantle / Walyalup.

This screening is free to attend, reserve your seat via Humanitix.

SYNOPSIS

When a nation-wide uprising breaks out in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, a young woman in Gaza must make a choice between love, family, and freedom. Undaunted, she embraces all three, joining a clandestine network of women in a movement that forces the world to recognize the Palestinian right to self-determination for the first time. Naila and the Uprising chronicles the remarkable journey of Naila Ayesh and a fierce community of women at the frontlines, whose stories weave through the most vibrant, nonviolent mobilization in Palestinian history - the First Intifada in the late 1980s.

Using evocative animation, intimate interviews, and exclusive archival footage, this film brings out of anonymity the courageous women activists who have remained on the margins of history -- until now. While most images of the First Intifada paint an incomplete picture of stone-throwing young men front and center, this film tells the story that history overlooked – of an unbending, nonviolent women’s movement at the head of Palestine’s struggle for freedom.

WORDS FROM THE DIRECTOR

"The lessons of Naila and the Uprising are as relevant today as they were in 1987. Women across the globe continue their struggle for basic freedoms and dignity. From the First Intifada to the present moment, it's clear: women's leadership in civil society organizing is vital. But too often, their work is sidelined or ignored.”

“The women in Naila and the Uprising are not only role models for the rising generation of Palestinians and Israelis struggling for justice, freedom, dignity and equality. They also illuminate lessons and legacies for communities around the globe who are demanding more of their political leaders as they organize for the rights and well-being of all.

We were privileged to connect with dozens of women while making this film. They demonstrated incredible courage and resilience - in their ongoing resistance and as they step forward to tell their stories. It is our hope that their experiences will inspire and inform audiences worldwide just as they have moved and educated us.”

Directors Statement. Julia Bacha (2017)

FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

This screening is part of Made in Palestine's ongoing educational program designed to amplify Palestinian documentaries, while raising critical funds for families in Gaza and the West Bank who are directly supported by Made in Palestine.

This special screening of Naila and The Uprising is made possible through Just Vision. The screening is completely free of charge to attend, to allow the film to educate and raise awareness of Palestine on a global scale. Donation’s to Made in Palestine’s work in the West Bank and Gaza are warmly welcomed, but not required.

This screening is part of the public program of 'It's Your Head That Bleeds', an exhibition hosted at PS Art Space amplifying voices from the West Bank. Please stick around and enjoy the exhibition.