"After Jenin" Documentary Screened at Rutgers University
Aramica newspaper - November 10 to 25 2002 issue
www.aramica.com

Reprinted by permission.

The devastation of a desperate people was poignantly portrayed in a documentary titled "After Jenin". Images of a harsh reality were prominent - mass burial pits and piles of rubble where homes, businesses and villages once stood. The film centered around Jenin, Nablus and other towns in the West Bank, which were brutally occupied for one month by Israeli forces during the early part of this year. The footage began in April, 2002 - immediately after the first withdrawal of Israeli invaders where they left death, anger and destruction behind.

British film director, Jenny Morgan wanted to expose the atrocities committed by the Zionist regime. The documentary was produced by Trident, a British film company, and was financed by an Abu Dhabi TV station.

At a film screening, sponsored by New Jersey Solidarity, at Rutgers University on October 22, 2002, the room fell silent during the entire 50 minute documentary. The severity of the destruction immediately became real as the audience watched in horror. The film was a blend of history and present day conditions with interviews dispersed throughout.

Enam Saadeh, International Solidarity Movement volunteer recently back from Palestine, brought the film to NJS.

"In my opinion, I think it is one of the best documentaries ever produced. The reason for that is it goes back to when Palestine was under the British mandate, and how the Zionists took over Palestine. It very well clarifies and explains the misinformation about the realities in Palestine, i.e. the peace process, checkpoints and the ongoing massacres," commented Saadeh.

The ironic highlight of the film was the amphasized spirit of the Palestinian people. In a critical scene, an ancient mosque is attacked by a missile that leaves a gaping hole in the roof and a pile of wreckage on the ground. Prayers continued at that mosque alive despite its physical appearance. A main theme throughout the documentary is this spirit: the Palestinian spirit remains strong, undefeated and unshaken.

This movie does not have specialized sound effects or digitally enhanced graphics - it is a simple movie about a serious problem, something that is clearly reflected in the filming technique itself. With a prominent theme of sadness, even in the Palestinian musical chords echoing in the background, the film has a home-movie feel about it which gives the viewer a sense of personal attachment almost as if they are watching their own family