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Arna's Children Film Showing about life in a Jenin Refugee Camp. Also Fundraiser

Adie | 05.05.2006 13:02 | Anti-militarism | Repression | Social Struggles

On Monday Night at Manchester University we are showing the award-winning 'Arna's Children' - important first of all as a vivid and powerful portrayal of life under occupation for the Palestinians in the Middle East and the way bright, good natured kids can without hope turn to extremism. It's also the inspiring story of Jewish Israeli Arna Mer Khamis, and her endeavours to bring some light to those kids through a children's theatre. We’ll be raising money for the new childrens theatre and it's on at 7:30pm Monday night at the University of Manchester Student Union

It's the first time at the film nights we're attempting to directly improve the lives of some of those featured in the documentaries. For Monday's showing of 'Arna's Children' we're asking for donations towards the Children's Theatre Project in the Jenin Refugee Camp in the West Bank that was founded by Arna and featured in the film. If everyone at the documentary puts in 2 pounds, we can expect 150 pounds at the very least, all of which goes towards the 'Freedom Theatre' for Palestinian children that is reopening. This is also the sum I promised to the Director of the film and organiser of the project - Arna's son Juliano, who we recently filmed in Nottingham as part of his tour of film showings. We'll show excerpts of what Juliano said in his talk, a frank first-hand account about the state of the Middle East Conflict and the stark reality of what is daily living right now for the Palestinians in the occupied territories.

So if you can come on Monday night and get as many others as you can to see it, those attending I'm sure will appreciate the strength and value of the film. There'll also be a discussion afterwards. Best, Adie

Arna's Children

Monday 8th May 7:30pm With Director Interview

University Of Manchester Student Union

2nd Floor Council Chambers Followed By Q&A

Raising Money for the Jenin Refugee Camp Children’s Theatre in the West Bank www.arna.info

In Association With Olive Cooperative www.olivecoop.com

Film Synopsis

“Yousef committed a suicide attack in 2001. Ashraf was killed in the battle of Jenin. Ala leads a resistance group. I returned to the ruins of Jenin with my camera, to see what happened to the children I knew and loved...my film tries to tell their stories and to understand their choices." - Director, Juliano Mer Khamis

“A must-see documentary…a devastating group portrait of the legacy of occupation.” -Variety

“…a work of art, made with a trembling hand” -Haaretz

"…an unforgettable experience" Uri Avnery

Winner: Feature - Tribeca Film Festival, 2004

Winner: Best First Documentary Feature - Toronto International Documentary Festival, 2004

Best Film - Prague One World Human Rights Film Festival. 2004

A WIDER VIEW OF THE WORLD YOU DON'T GET FROM TELEVISION

Adie
- e-mail: mattmattclem@hotmail.co.uk