Diary notice: free London screening of powerful new documentary on house demolitions in East Jerusalem - Tuesday 3 July
Amnesty International UK’s London office will host a free screening of an acclaimed new documentary on house demolitions in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem on Tuesday 3 July.
The film, My Neighbourhood, profiles an 11-year-old Palestinian boy called Mohammed El Kurd who is growing up in the neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah in East Jerusalem.
It shows how Mohammed’s family and other residents mount peaceful protests against evictions from their homes to make way for Israeli settlers. It also shows how scores of Israeli supporters join their campaign, and the documentary focuses on the strong relationship between Mohammed’s family and a Jewish family from West Jerusalem.
My Neighbourhood is directed and produced by Rebekah Wingert-Jabi, who documented Mohammed’s story over two years, and acclaimed filmmaker Julia Bacha.
Bacha, who will be attending the London screening, said:
“In Jerusalem, perhaps more than any other place in this conflict, we have for too long been willing to give ample attention to violence and extremism, while neglecting the courageous efforts of those pursuing a more constructive path without arms. My Neighbourhood is an attempt to shift that dynamic.”
My Neighbourhood, which recently had its world premiere at New York’s Tribeca Film Festival, is the latest production by Just Vision, a team of Palestinian, Israeli and North/South American film-makers, journalists and human rights campaigners committed to telling the stories of Israelis and Palestinians pursuing freedom, dignity, security and peace using non-violent means (more information: www.justvision.org/myneighbourhood ).
What: film screening and panel discussion
Who: Julia Bacha (co-director of the film), Vered Cohen-Barzilay (formerly of Amnesty Israel)
When: Tuesday 3 July 2012, 6.30pm (please arrive for a prompt start)
Where: Amnesty International UK Human Rights Action Centre, 17-25 New Inn Yard, London EC2A 3EA
The event, which will be followed by an informal drinks reception, is free, but booking is essential (see: http://amn.st/MsbWpg .