1998·Documentary·50m
7.1
★
Many people first became aware of the Shatila refugee camp in Lebanon after the shocking and horrific Sabra-Shatila massacre that took place there in 1982. Located in Beirut's "belt of misery," the camp is home to 15,000 Palestinians and Lebanese who share a common experience of displacement, unemployment and poverty. Fifty years after the exile of their grandparents from Palestine, the children of Shatila attempt to come to terms with the reality of being refugees in a camp that has survived massacre, siege and starvation. Director Mai Masri focuses on two Palestinian children in the camp: Farah, age 11 and Issa, age 12. When these children are given video cameras, the story of the camp evolves from their personal narratives as they articulate the feelings and hopes of their generation.
Directed by Mai Masri
woman director
IMDB
N/A
Crew
Mai Masri
Director
Mai Masri
Screenplay
Popular Reviews
14 reviews
Nini
10.0★ · 02/17/26
I would like to say that, in one or in a hundred generations, when i and the others are dead.. Palestine must never be forgotten. Promise me that.
I would like to say that, in one or in a hundred generations, when i and the others are dead.. Palestine must never be forgotten. Promise me that.
Edgy Hamza
"Even if I live to be 100, I would still hope to return... I would like to say that in one or one hundred generations' time, when me and others are dead, promise me that Palestine will never be forgotten."
"Even if I live to be 100, I would still hope to return... I would like to say that in one or one hundred generations' time, when me and others are dead, promise me that Palestine will never be forgotten."
Sepia GorePRO
A message for my Thai readers: currently as of writing this on Thai Netflix, there’s a handful selections of Palestinian films, this included which yeah it’s another case of Netflix content dumping as per usual but I choose to look at it as a chance and opportunity for us because we were never taught about Palestine in school, we are taught about other older wars, genocide, massacres etc from years passed but not this one, this one that is still ongoing and has been for 70 years, that has taken first their land then countless lives and finally their voice, their rights, their stories, their culture, everything. Please watch these films, use the resource you have to expand your knowledge to the lives, injustice and strength of Palestinians, to learn, understand and share these stories that have been long hidden from us and everyone we know. Despite what we’re taught, that politically we shouldn’t concern ourselves with other countries, Palestine is our business because this is not political, this is humanity. Speak up for our brothers and sisters, listen to and watch for our fellow humans whose suffering still continues thanks to the cowardice, greed and incompetence of our country. But we, we can make the difference. Thank you.
That God may only know where all of these children and their parents are all right now, if they are even still alive amidst the ruins and piles of Isreal’s continued destruction is something hard to forget while watching this. It’s a depressing reminder much like the footage of the 1980s bombings shown in the beginning of the film that with no problems would frighteningly blend right in with all clips still pouring out of Gaza, nothing has changed, the horror still rages on but if there’s anything to learn from Children of Shatila it’s that even when faced with oppression, discrimination and violence the spirit and hope of the Palestinians cannot be suppressed, my biggest fear is that this current genocide will wipe that hope out, this hope that I believe especially seen here more then anything has kept Palestinians alive. It is the kind of hope that is the essence of humanity itself. The hope of a younger generation who while exposed to unimaginable suffering and violence inflicted upon their family or themselves, literally having to play on grounds where their ancestors are buried in, still manages to retain such strength, sensitivity, insight and dignity.
One of the most delightful sequences comes early when Mai Masri hands over a cam recorder to a group of kids on the street, they proceed to film and ask each other mundane things like “what do you wanna be?” Which they answers earnestly with intent “astronauts, computer scientists” but the bigger questions arises when they shift the lens to ask older Palestinians about their experiences having to leave their land, the harsh conditions they are met yet despite that as one gentleman states “even if I was a hundred years old I still wanna go back”. It’s not just the right for Palestinians to have their land that’s theirs back but it’s a generational, cultural and important promise. The rest of the film we witness the 21st century approaching, retroactively there’s a gloom in the air knowing what’s happening now yet what we also see is despite the systematic limitations imposed nothing has stop Palestinians from progressing technologically or in ambition and with how the internet has played a crucial role these past months In connecting the rest of the world to what’s going on now, seeing that room filled with Palestinians studying and learning the computers or the young excitement that am sure everybody on this app am sure at one point has felt when you pick up a camera for the first time ever and just filmed something, film your love ones, film your dog or cat, your house, watching the screen as you film etc, it’s a bittersweet moment.
While this is not meant in anyway as romanticizing because nobody should be compromised to this extent here, it’s undeniably impressive just how much these people are able to make the most of what they get, making water clean again, the entertainment and shows put on, the activities families or groups form, that freaking horse, innovating and creating, showcased here is a creativity and ingenuity across the board not to dissimilar to the purity of the spirit of kids but when put in the context that they have to do this out of and for survival, out of atleast attaining a basic sense of being a human being. This year I’ve really learn that even the lives of children are not safe, how conservatives likes to uphold the purity of children is complete bullshit when the system we live in allow first the mistreatment of Palestinians kids spotlighted here and now the murdering of them, when this system also seeks to ban all gender affirming care and abortion rights, all signaling the elimination of being able to express one’s will, identity (either national, racial, gender etc) and rights. The very thing that keeps our spirits alive, our hope, hope that is what we know best. Children of Shatila is hope unapologetic, crucial, vivid yet balancing between this tight cruel rope, one that nobody asks to be put on.
“What is there but not there?”
Israel.
That God may only know where all of these children and their parents are all right now, if they are even still alive amidst the ruins and piles of Isreal’s continued destruction is something hard to forget while watching this. It’s a depressing reminder much like the footage of the 1980s bombings shown in the beginning of the film that with no problems would frighteningly blend right in with all clips still pouring out of Gaza, nothing has changed, the horror still rages on but if there’s anything to learn from Children of Shatila it’s that even when faced with oppression, discrimination and violence the spirit and hope of the Palestinians cannot be suppressed, my biggest fear is that this current genocide will wipe that hope out, this hope that I believe especially seen here more then anything has kept Palestinians alive. It is the kind of hope that is the essence of humanity itself. The hope of a younger generation who while exposed to unimaginable suffering and violence inflicted upon their family or themselves, literally having to play on grounds where their ancestors are buried in, still manages to retain such strength, sensitivity, insight and dignity.
One of the most delightful sequences comes early when Mai Masri hands over a cam recorder to a group of kids on the street, they proceed to film and ask each other mundane things like “what do you wanna be?” Which they answers earnestly with intent “astronauts, computer scientists” but the bigger questions arises when they shift the lens to ask older Palestinians about their experiences having to leave their land, the harsh conditions they are met yet despite that as one gentleman states “even if I was a hundred years old I still wanna go back”. It’s not just the right for Palestinians to have their land that’s theirs back but it’s a generational, cultural and important promise. The rest of the film we witness the 21st century approaching, retroactively there’s a gloom in the air knowing what’s happening now yet what we also see is despite the systematic limitations imposed nothing has stop Palestinians from progressing technologically or in ambition and with how the internet has played a crucial role these past months In connecting the rest of the world to what’s going on now, seeing that room filled with Palestinians studying and learning the computers or the young excitement that am sure everybody on this app am sure at one point has felt when you pick up a camera for the first time ever and just filmed something, film your love ones, film your dog or cat, your house, watching the screen as you film etc, it’s a bittersweet moment.
While this is not meant in anyway as romanticizing because nobody should be compromised to this extent here, it’s undeniably impressive just how much these people are able to make the most of what they get, making water clean again, the entertainment and shows put on, the activities families or groups form, that freaking horse, innovating and creating, showcased here is a creativity and ingenuity across the board not to dissimilar to the purity of the spirit of kids but when put in the context that they have to do this out of and for survival, out of atleast attaining a basic sense of being a human being. This year I’ve really learn that even the lives of children are not safe, how conservatives likes to uphold the purity of children is complete bullshit when the system we live in allow first the mistreatment of Palestinians kids spotlighted here and now the murdering of them, when this system also seeks to ban all gender affirming care and abortion rights, all signaling the elimination of being able to express one’s will, identity (either national, racial, gender etc) and rights. The very thing that keeps our spirits alive, our hope, hope that is what we know best. Children of Shatila is hope unapologetic, crucial, vivid yet balancing between this tight cruel rope, one that nobody asks to be put on.
“What is there but not there?”
Israel.
A message for my Thai readers: currently as of writing this on Thai Netflix, there’s a handful selections of Palestinian films, this included which yeah it’s another case of Netflix content dumping as per usual but I choose to look at it as a chance and opportunity for us because we were never taught about Palestine in school, we are taught about other older wars, genocide, massacres etc from years passed but not this one, this one that is still ongoing and has been for 70 years, that has taken first their land then countless lives and finally their voice, their rights, their stories, their culture, everything. Please watch these films, use the resource you have to expand your knowledge to the lives, injustice and strength of Palestinians, to learn, understand and share these stories that have been long hidden from us and everyone we know. Despite what we’re taught, that politically we shouldn’t concern ourselves with other countries, Palestine is our business because this is not political, this is humanity. Speak up for our brothers and sisters, listen to and watch for our fellow humans whose suffering still continues thanks to the cowardice, greed and incompetence of our country. But we, we can make the difference. Thank you.
That God may only know where all of these children and their parents are all right now, if they are even still alive amidst the ruins and piles of Isreal’s continued destruction is something hard to forget while watching this. It’s a depressing reminder much like the footage of the 1980s bombings shown in the beginning of the film that with no problems would frighteningly blend right in with all clips still pouring out of Gaza, nothing has changed, the horror still rages on but if there’s anything to learn from Children of Shatila it’s that even when faced with oppression, discrimination and violence the spirit and hope of the Palestinians cannot be suppressed, my biggest fear is that this current genocide will wipe that hope out, this hope that I believe especially seen here more then anything has kept Palestinians alive. It is the kind of hope that is the essence of humanity itself. The hope of a younger generation who while exposed to unimaginable suffering and violence inflicted upon their family or themselves, literally having to play on grounds where their ancestors are buried in, still manages to retain such strength, sensitivity, insight and dignity.
One of the most delightful sequences comes early when Mai Masri hands over a cam recorder to a group of kids on the street, they proceed to film and ask each other mundane things like “what do you wanna be?” Which they answers earnestly with intent “astronauts, computer scientists” but the bigger questions arises when they shift the lens to ask older Palestinians about their experiences having to leave their land, the harsh conditions they are met yet despite that as one gentleman states “even if I was a hundred years old I still wanna go back”. It’s not just the right for Palestinians to have their land that’s theirs back but it’s a generational, cultural and important promise. The rest of the film we witness the 21st century approaching, retroactively there’s a gloom in the air knowing what’s happening now yet what we also see is despite the systematic limitations imposed nothing has stop Palestinians from progressing technologically or in ambition and with how the internet has played a crucial role these past months In connecting the rest of the world to what’s going on now, seeing that room filled with Palestinians studying and learning the computers or the young excitement that am sure everybody on this app am sure at one point has felt when you pick up a camera for the first time ever and just filmed something, film your love ones, film your dog or cat, your house, watching the screen as you film etc, it’s a bittersweet moment.
While this is not meant in anyway as romanticizing because nobody should be compromised to this extent here, it’s undeniably impressive just how much these people are able to make the most of what they get, making water clean again, the entertainment and shows put on, the activities families or groups form, that freaking horse, innovating and creating, showcased here is a creativity and ingenuity across the board not to dissimilar to the purity of the spirit of kids but when put in the context that they have to do this out of and for survival, out of atleast attaining a basic sense of being a human being. This year I’ve really learn that even the lives of children are not safe, how conservatives likes to uphold the purity of children is complete bullshit when the system we live in allow first the mistreatment of Palestinians kids spotlighted here and now the murdering of them, when this system also seeks to ban all gender affirming care and abortion rights, all signaling the elimination of being able to express one’s will, identity (either national, racial, gender etc) and rights. The very thing that keeps our spirits alive, our hope, hope that is what we know best. Children of Shatila is hope unapologetic, crucial, vivid yet balancing between this tight cruel rope, one that nobody asks to be put on.
“What is there but not there?”
Israel.
That God may only know where all of these children and their parents are all right now, if they are even still alive amidst the ruins and piles of Isreal’s continued destruction is something hard to forget while watching this. It’s a depressing reminder much like the footage of the 1980s bombings shown in the beginning of the film that with no problems would frighteningly blend right in with all clips still pouring out of Gaza, nothing has changed, the horror still rages on but if there’s anything to learn from Children of Shatila it’s that even when faced with oppression, discrimination and violence the spirit and hope of the Palestinians cannot be suppressed, my biggest fear is that this current genocide will wipe that hope out, this hope that I believe especially seen here more then anything has kept Palestinians alive. It is the kind of hope that is the essence of humanity itself. The hope of a younger generation who while exposed to unimaginable suffering and violence inflicted upon their family or themselves, literally having to play on grounds where their ancestors are buried in, still manages to retain such strength, sensitivity, insight and dignity.
One of the most delightful sequences comes early when Mai Masri hands over a cam recorder to a group of kids on the street, they proceed to film and ask each other mundane things like “what do you wanna be?” Which they answers earnestly with intent “astronauts, computer scientists” but the bigger questions arises when they shift the lens to ask older Palestinians about their experiences having to leave their land, the harsh conditions they are met yet despite that as one gentleman states “even if I was a hundred years old I still wanna go back”. It’s not just the right for Palestinians to have their land that’s theirs back but it’s a generational, cultural and important promise. The rest of the film we witness the 21st century approaching, retroactively there’s a gloom in the air knowing what’s happening now yet what we also see is despite the systematic limitations imposed nothing has stop Palestinians from progressing technologically or in ambition and with how the internet has played a crucial role these past months In connecting the rest of the world to what’s going on now, seeing that room filled with Palestinians studying and learning the computers or the young excitement that am sure everybody on this app am sure at one point has felt when you pick up a camera for the first time ever and just filmed something, film your love ones, film your dog or cat, your house, watching the screen as you film etc, it’s a bittersweet moment.
While this is not meant in anyway as romanticizing because nobody should be compromised to this extent here, it’s undeniably impressive just how much these people are able to make the most of what they get, making water clean again, the entertainment and shows put on, the activities families or groups form, that freaking horse, innovating and creating, showcased here is a creativity and ingenuity across the board not to dissimilar to the purity of the spirit of kids but when put in the context that they have to do this out of and for survival, out of atleast attaining a basic sense of being a human being. This year I’ve really learn that even the lives of children are not safe, how conservatives likes to uphold the purity of children is complete bullshit when the system we live in allow first the mistreatment of Palestinians kids spotlighted here and now the murdering of them, when this system also seeks to ban all gender affirming care and abortion rights, all signaling the elimination of being able to express one’s will, identity (either national, racial, gender etc) and rights. The very thing that keeps our spirits alive, our hope, hope that is what we know best. Children of Shatila is hope unapologetic, crucial, vivid yet balancing between this tight cruel rope, one that nobody asks to be put on.
“What is there but not there?”
Israel.
Sepia GorePRO
A message for my Thai readers: currently as of writing this on Thai Netflix, there’s a handful selections of Palestinian films, this included which yeah it’s another case of Netflix content dumping as per usual but I choose to look at it as a chance and opportunity for us because we were never taught about Palestine in school, we are taught about other older wars, genocide, massacres etc from years passed but not this one, this one that is still ongoing and has been for 70 years, that has taken first their land then countless lives and finally their voice, their rights, their stories, their culture, everything. Please watch these films, use the resource you have to expand your knowledge to the lives, injustice and strength of Palestinians, to learn, understand and share these stories that have been long hidden from us and everyone we know. Despite what we’re taught, that politically we shouldn’t concern ourselves with other countries, Palestine is our business because this is not political, this is humanity. Speak up for our brothers and sisters, listen to and watch for our fellow humans whose suffering still continues thanks to the cowardice, greed and incompetence of our country. But we, we can make the difference. Thank you.
That God may only know where all of these children and their parents are all right now, if they are even still alive amidst the ruins and piles of Isreal’s continued destruction is something hard to forget while watching this. It’s a depressing reminder much like the footage of the 1980s bombings shown in the beginning of the film that with no problems would frighteningly blend right in with all clips still pouring out of Gaza, nothing has changed, the horror still rages on but if there’s anything to learn from Children of Shatila it’s that even when faced with oppression, discrimination and violence the spirit and hope of the Palestinians cannot be suppressed, my biggest fear is that this current genocide will wipe that hope out, this hope that I believe especially seen here more then anything has kept Palestinians alive. It is the kind of hope that is the essence of humanity itself. The hope of a younger generation who while exposed to unimaginable suffering and violence inflicted upon their family or themselves, literally having to play on grounds where their ancestors are buried in, still manages to retain such strength, sensitivity, insight and dignity.
One of the most delightful sequences comes early when Mai Masri hands over a cam recorder to a group of kids on the street, they proceed to film and ask each other mundane things like “what do you wanna be?” Which they answers earnestly with intent “astronauts, computer scientists” but the bigger questions arises when they shift the lens to ask older Palestinians about their experiences having to leave their land, the harsh conditions they are met yet despite that as one gentleman states “even if I was a hundred years old I still wanna go back”. It’s not just the right for Palestinians to have their land that’s theirs back but it’s a generational, cultural and important promise. The rest of the film we witness the 21st century approaching, retroactively there’s a gloom in the air knowing what’s happening now yet what we also see is despite the systematic limitations imposed nothing has stop Palestinians from progressing technologically or in ambition and with how the internet has played a crucial role these past months In connecting the rest of the world to what’s going on now, seeing that room filled with Palestinians studying and learning the computers or the young excitement that am sure everybody on this app am sure at one point has felt when you pick up a camera for the first time ever and just filmed something, film your love ones, film your dog or cat, your house, watching the screen as you film etc, it’s a bittersweet moment.
While this is not meant in anyway as romanticizing because nobody should be compromised to this extent here, it’s undeniably impressive just how much these people are able to make the most of what they get, making water clean again, the entertainment and shows put on, the activities families or groups form, that freaking horse, innovating and creating, showcased here is a creativity and ingenuity across the board not to dissimilar to the purity of the spirit of kids but when put in the context that they have to do this out of and for survival, out of atleast attaining a basic sense of being a human being. This year I’ve really learn that even the lives of children are not safe, how conservatives likes to uphold the purity of children is complete bullshit when the system we live in allow first the mistreatment of Palestinians kids spotlighted here and now the murdering of them, when this system also seeks to ban all gender affirming care and abortion rights, all signaling the elimination of being able to express one’s will, identity (either national, racial, gender etc) and rights. The very thing that keeps our spirits alive, our hope, hope that is what we know best. Children of Shatila is hope unapologetic, crucial, vivid yet balancing between this tight cruel rope, one that nobody asks to be put on.
“What is there but not there?”
Israel.
That God may only know where all of these children and their parents are all right now, if they are even still alive amidst the ruins and piles of Isreal’s continued destruction is something hard to forget while watching this. It’s a depressing reminder much like the footage of the 1980s bombings shown in the beginning of the film that with no problems would frighteningly blend right in with all clips still pouring out of Gaza, nothing has changed, the horror still rages on but if there’s anything to learn from Children of Shatila it’s that even when faced with oppression, discrimination and violence the spirit and hope of the Palestinians cannot be suppressed, my biggest fear is that this current genocide will wipe that hope out, this hope that I believe especially seen here more then anything has kept Palestinians alive. It is the kind of hope that is the essence of humanity itself. The hope of a younger generation who while exposed to unimaginable suffering and violence inflicted upon their family or themselves, literally having to play on grounds where their ancestors are buried in, still manages to retain such strength, sensitivity, insight and dignity.
One of the most delightful sequences comes early when Mai Masri hands over a cam recorder to a group of kids on the street, they proceed to film and ask each other mundane things like “what do you wanna be?” Which they answers earnestly with intent “astronauts, computer scientists” but the bigger questions arises when they shift the lens to ask older Palestinians about their experiences having to leave their land, the harsh conditions they are met yet despite that as one gentleman states “even if I was a hundred years old I still wanna go back”. It’s not just the right for Palestinians to have their land that’s theirs back but it’s a generational, cultural and important promise. The rest of the film we witness the 21st century approaching, retroactively there’s a gloom in the air knowing what’s happening now yet what we also see is despite the systematic limitations imposed nothing has stop Palestinians from progressing technologically or in ambition and with how the internet has played a crucial role these past months In connecting the rest of the world to what’s going on now, seeing that room filled with Palestinians studying and learning the computers or the young excitement that am sure everybody on this app am sure at one point has felt when you pick up a camera for the first time ever and just filmed something, film your love ones, film your dog or cat, your house, watching the screen as you film etc, it’s a bittersweet moment.
While this is not meant in anyway as romanticizing because nobody should be compromised to this extent here, it’s undeniably impressive just how much these people are able to make the most of what they get, making water clean again, the entertainment and shows put on, the activities families or groups form, that freaking horse, innovating and creating, showcased here is a creativity and ingenuity across the board not to dissimilar to the purity of the spirit of kids but when put in the context that they have to do this out of and for survival, out of atleast attaining a basic sense of being a human being. This year I’ve really learn that even the lives of children are not safe, how conservatives likes to uphold the purity of children is complete bullshit when the system we live in allow first the mistreatment of Palestinians kids spotlighted here and now the murdering of them, when this system also seeks to ban all gender affirming care and abortion rights, all signaling the elimination of being able to express one’s will, identity (either national, racial, gender etc) and rights. The very thing that keeps our spirits alive, our hope, hope that is what we know best. Children of Shatila is hope unapologetic, crucial, vivid yet balancing between this tight cruel rope, one that nobody asks to be put on.
“What is there but not there?”
Israel.
A message for my Thai readers: currently as of writing this on Thai Netflix, there’s a handful selections of Palestinian films, this included which yeah it’s another case of Netflix content dumping as per usual but I choose to look at it as a chance and opportunity for us because we were never taught about Palestine in school, we are taught about other older wars, genocide, massacres etc from years passed but not this one, this one that is still ongoing and has been for 70 years, that has taken first their land then countless lives and finally their voice, their rights, their stories, their culture, everything. Please watch these films, use the resource you have to expand your knowledge to the lives, injustice and strength of Palestinians, to learn, understand and share these stories that have been long hidden from us and everyone we know. Despite what we’re taught, that politically we shouldn’t concern ourselves with other countries, Palestine is our business because this is not political, this is humanity. Speak up for our brothers and sisters, listen to and watch for our fellow humans whose suffering still continues thanks to the cowardice, greed and incompetence of our country. But we, we can make the difference. Thank you.
That God may only know where all of these children and their parents are all right now, if they are even still alive amidst the ruins and piles of Isreal’s continued destruction is something hard to forget while watching this. It’s a depressing reminder much like the footage of the 1980s bombings shown in the beginning of the film that with no problems would frighteningly blend right in with all clips still pouring out of Gaza, nothing has changed, the horror still rages on but if there’s anything to learn from Children of Shatila it’s that even when faced with oppression, discrimination and violence the spirit and hope of the Palestinians cannot be suppressed, my biggest fear is that this current genocide will wipe that hope out, this hope that I believe especially seen here more then anything has kept Palestinians alive. It is the kind of hope that is the essence of humanity itself. The hope of a younger generation who while exposed to unimaginable suffering and violence inflicted upon their family or themselves, literally having to play on grounds where their ancestors are buried in, still manages to retain such strength, sensitivity, insight and dignity.
One of the most delightful sequences comes early when Mai Masri hands over a cam recorder to a group of kids on the street, they proceed to film and ask each other mundane things like “what do you wanna be?” Which they answers earnestly with intent “astronauts, computer scientists” but the bigger questions arises when they shift the lens to ask older Palestinians about their experiences having to leave their land, the harsh conditions they are met yet despite that as one gentleman states “even if I was a hundred years old I still wanna go back”. It’s not just the right for Palestinians to have their land that’s theirs back but it’s a generational, cultural and important promise. The rest of the film we witness the 21st century approaching, retroactively there’s a gloom in the air knowing what’s happening now yet what we also see is despite the systematic limitations imposed nothing has stop Palestinians from progressing technologically or in ambition and with how the internet has played a crucial role these past months In connecting the rest of the world to what’s going on now, seeing that room filled with Palestinians studying and learning the computers or the young excitement that am sure everybody on this app am sure at one point has felt when you pick up a camera for the first time ever and just filmed something, film your love ones, film your dog or cat, your house, watching the screen as you film etc, it’s a bittersweet moment.
While this is not meant in anyway as romanticizing because nobody should be compromised to this extent here, it’s undeniably impressive just how much these people are able to make the most of what they get, making water clean again, the entertainment and shows put on, the activities families or groups form, that freaking horse, innovating and creating, showcased here is a creativity and ingenuity across the board not to dissimilar to the purity of the spirit of kids but when put in the context that they have to do this out of and for survival, out of atleast attaining a basic sense of being a human being. This year I’ve really learn that even the lives of children are not safe, how conservatives likes to uphold the purity of children is complete bullshit when the system we live in allow first the mistreatment of Palestinians kids spotlighted here and now the murdering of them, when this system also seeks to ban all gender affirming care and abortion rights, all signaling the elimination of being able to express one’s will, identity (either national, racial, gender etc) and rights. The very thing that keeps our spirits alive, our hope, hope that is what we know best. Children of Shatila is hope unapologetic, crucial, vivid yet balancing between this tight cruel rope, one that nobody asks to be put on.
“What is there but not there?”
Israel.
That God may only know where all of these children and their parents are all right now, if they are even still alive amidst the ruins and piles of Isreal’s continued destruction is something hard to forget while watching this. It’s a depressing reminder much like the footage of the 1980s bombings shown in the beginning of the film that with no problems would frighteningly blend right in with all clips still pouring out of Gaza, nothing has changed, the horror still rages on but if there’s anything to learn from Children of Shatila it’s that even when faced with oppression, discrimination and violence the spirit and hope of the Palestinians cannot be suppressed, my biggest fear is that this current genocide will wipe that hope out, this hope that I believe especially seen here more then anything has kept Palestinians alive. It is the kind of hope that is the essence of humanity itself. The hope of a younger generation who while exposed to unimaginable suffering and violence inflicted upon their family or themselves, literally having to play on grounds where their ancestors are buried in, still manages to retain such strength, sensitivity, insight and dignity.
One of the most delightful sequences comes early when Mai Masri hands over a cam recorder to a group of kids on the street, they proceed to film and ask each other mundane things like “what do you wanna be?” Which they answers earnestly with intent “astronauts, computer scientists” but the bigger questions arises when they shift the lens to ask older Palestinians about their experiences having to leave their land, the harsh conditions they are met yet despite that as one gentleman states “even if I was a hundred years old I still wanna go back”. It’s not just the right for Palestinians to have their land that’s theirs back but it’s a generational, cultural and important promise. The rest of the film we witness the 21st century approaching, retroactively there’s a gloom in the air knowing what’s happening now yet what we also see is despite the systematic limitations imposed nothing has stop Palestinians from progressing technologically or in ambition and with how the internet has played a crucial role these past months In connecting the rest of the world to what’s going on now, seeing that room filled with Palestinians studying and learning the computers or the young excitement that am sure everybody on this app am sure at one point has felt when you pick up a camera for the first time ever and just filmed something, film your love ones, film your dog or cat, your house, watching the screen as you film etc, it’s a bittersweet moment.
While this is not meant in anyway as romanticizing because nobody should be compromised to this extent here, it’s undeniably impressive just how much these people are able to make the most of what they get, making water clean again, the entertainment and shows put on, the activities families or groups form, that freaking horse, innovating and creating, showcased here is a creativity and ingenuity across the board not to dissimilar to the purity of the spirit of kids but when put in the context that they have to do this out of and for survival, out of atleast attaining a basic sense of being a human being. This year I’ve really learn that even the lives of children are not safe, how conservatives likes to uphold the purity of children is complete bullshit when the system we live in allow first the mistreatment of Palestinians kids spotlighted here and now the murdering of them, when this system also seeks to ban all gender affirming care and abortion rights, all signaling the elimination of being able to express one’s will, identity (either national, racial, gender etc) and rights. The very thing that keeps our spirits alive, our hope, hope that is what we know best. Children of Shatila is hope unapologetic, crucial, vivid yet balancing between this tight cruel rope, one that nobody asks to be put on.
“What is there but not there?”
Israel.