Free Political Film Screenings Cinema Politica is a project organized by Montréal-based non-profit überculture, and comprises a network of several local film exhibition series across Canada, Europe and the USA.

Palestinian Film Festival | Raised to be Heroes

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Cinema Politica London
Friday January 30, 2009
Screening begins 19h00
Venue: Wemple Lounge | Kings University College | 266 Epworth Ave.

Passionate and poignant, the Palestinian Film Festival is a celebration of Palestinian cinema and culture.

Presented by Cinema Politica London | Centre for Social Concern - Social Justice and Peace Club King's University College.

This festival is co-sponsored by People for Peace.

The bombings in Gaza are over just in time for Obama to become the new US president, but that doesn't mean important and powerful media on Palestine/Israel isn't still needed.

Please join us for first film festival of the Winter 2009 Cinema Politica London programmer. It will be a night of powerful moving images that show the complexities of the conflict and occupation in the Middle East - from both an Israeli and Palestinian perspective. Everyone is welcome. Our six films can be founded listed in separate events. Watch one or immerse yourself for the night and watch them all.

Admission is by-donation.

Bring a blanket, a pillow, anything you need to get comfortable. Fair trade organic coffee with fair trade organic sugar, fair trade organic cream or fair trade organic soy milk will be available compliments of Social Justice and Peace Club King's University College. BYOM - Bring Your Own Mug.

Raised to be Heroes

A powerful, gripping examination of citizen-state obligations in a democracy.

Jack Silberman / USA / 2007 / 54 min

They will fight for their country, they will die for their country, but not in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. And although they act on conscience, they pay a steep personal price. Featuring haunting accounts from the front lines, Raised to Be Heroes introduces the latest generation of Israeli soldiers to selectively object to military operations undertaken by their country.

After years of executing missions against the Palestinians, often involving violence and oppression, some soldiers now believe their country's actions are inhumane. They're confronted with an excruciating dilemma: do they obey orders and continue a cycle of aggression and revenge? Or do they refuse to serve, risking vehement backlash and condemnation from family, friends and society? Through a series of raw and emotional testimonies, a group of Refuseniks lay bare the moment that they finally, and courageously, drew the line.

Their gripping stories are intertwined with that of Matan Kaminer, one of five high school seniors that together refused to enlist in the army because they believe Israel's actions in the Territories are wrong. Awaiting trial, Kaminer reflects on his controversial decision and the consequences he faces.

There are more than 1,600 Refuseniks in Israel and this number is growing. Many Israelis condemn them for failing their nation; however, they stand by their conscience in the hopes of ending the occupation. "The time I spent in jail was the most important time I served for my country; for my friends in my unit, for my family, for the security of Israel," says Major Chen Alon. Capturing a moment in the ever-changing political landscape of the region, Raised to Be Heroes uses the unforgettable experiences of Refuseniks to inspire an essential dialogue about peace, democracy and personal responsibility.

Trailer

Credits

Directed by Jack Silberman
Produced by Tracey Friesen
Written by Jack Silberman
Edited by Rafi Spivak
Cinematography by Rudolf Kovanic
Executive Produced by Rina Fraticelli
Narrated by Babz Chula
A National Film Board of Canada Production