Showing @ Filmhouse, Edinburgh, Thu 03 Oct only @ 18:00

Dan Setton / Israel, USA / 2012 / 98 mins

As the Syrian conflict dominates Middle East media coverage, the continuing friction between Israel and Palestine has taken a bit of a back seat. Dan Setton’s documentary retrospectively looks at Palestine’s 2011 attempt to become the 194th member state of the United Nations, charting their attempt to get their infrastructure and politics up to standard.

Presenting a pro-Palestinian view, the movie’s crux refreshingly doesn’t hinge upon the countless injustices suffered, like many films on this topic, instead dealing away with blame and looking forward to a non-violent and internationally accepted resolution: the two state solution. Historical context is provided but doesn’t overshadow, allowing the focus to remain on future prospects.

The political manoeuvrings of Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad’s State 194 campaign is encouraging to watch develop, dispelling images of terrorists and exposing Palestine (despite being dismissed by many) as a serious political contender. Interviewees, including national leaders, UN delegates, pro-Palestinian Israelis and student activists, convincingly tout the two state solution as peaceful and just. However, more coverage of the Israeli stance (viable or not) would give balance to the overall picture of peace resolutions, possibly lending credibility to Palestine’s reasoning. And while the film gives perspective to Palestine’s maltreatment in their denial of statehood, it fails to look at what political manipulations brought about the UN’s decision.

Showing as part of the Take One Action Film Festival 2013

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