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In the 2013 film "World War Z," a particularly controversial scene takes place in Jerusalem. The city, surrounded by towering walls, has seemingly found a way to keep the zombie apocalypse at bay. As the protagonist, Gerry Lane, arrives, he meets Mossad agent Jurgen Warmbrunn, who explains that Israel built the walls to protect against the undead after intercepting early warnings. While this scene might seem like just another moment in a thrilling zombie movie, it carries deeper, unsettling connotations. The depiction of Palestinians as an uncontrollable, invading force breaching the walls of Jerusalem is a stark metaphor, raising eyebrows and sparking debate about its real-world implications.
Perpetuating Stereotypes and Biases
"World War Z" is not alone in its controversial portrayal of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Several other films have been criticised for reinforcing negative stereotypes about Palestinians and influencing public perception in ways that exacerbate tensions. For instance, Otto Preminger’s "Exodus" (1960) presents the founding of Israel in a heroic light, largely ignoring the displacement of Palestinians. Steven Spielberg’s "Munich" (2005), while humanising both sides to some extent, focuses primarily on Israeli retaliation, subtly reinforcing the narrative of justified defense against Palestinian aggression. Similarly, action films like "The Delta Force" (1986) and "True Lies" (1994) depict Arabs, often perceived as stand-ins for Palestinians, as faceless villains, perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Suppressed Voices
On the flip side, numerous films that present the Palestinian perspective have struggled to gain traction or faced outright suppression. "Paradise Now" (2005) by Hany Abu-Assad delves into the lives of two Palestinian friends recruited for a suicide bombing, offering a nuanced view of their motivations. Despite its critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe win and an Academy Award nomination, it faced significant controversy and protests. "5 Broken Cameras" (2011), directed by Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi, documents non-violent resistance in a Palestinian village. While it was nominated for an Academy Award, its distribution was limited and it faced severe backlash.
"Jenin, Jenin" (2002), a documentary by Mohammed Bakri, portrays the aftermath of the Battle of Jenin through the eyes of Palestinian residents. The film was banned in Israel for several years and faced legal challenges. Annemarie Jacir’s "Salt of This Sea" (2008) and "When I Saw You" (2012) provide poignant narratives of Palestinian life and struggles but encountered limited distribution and visibility. Despite their powerful storytelling and critical acclaim, these films failed to reach a broad audience, overshadowed by more commercially successful, biased narratives.
The power and responsibility of cinema
Movies are a potent medium, capable of shaping public opinion and fostering empathy. They can transcend cultural barriers and bring human stories to the forefront. However, when it comes to the Israel-Palestine conflict, the film industry has often failed to live up to this potential. Instead of fostering understanding, many films have reinforced existing biases and dehumanised one side of the conflict. By consistently portraying Palestinians as aggressors or terrorists, these films contribute to a skewed narrative that influences public perception and policy decisions, further entrenching the conflict.
Despite their potential to foster understanding, many films that present the Palestinian perspective struggle to gain traction or face outright suppression. Movies like "Paradise Now" and "Salt of This Sea" provide poignant narratives of Palestinian life and struggles but often encounter limited distribution and visibility. This suppression stems from political and cultural pressures that favour dominant narratives and marginalise dissenting voices. To stop the war, the film industry must embrace its responsibility to present balanced, empathetic stories that reflect the complexities and humanity of all sides involved. By supporting diverse narratives and demanding nuanced storytelling, audiences can drive the industry to use its influence responsibly, promoting understanding and empathy, and ultimately contributing to a more informed and compassionate world.
A Call for Change
The film industry has the power to shift perspectives and promote peace. To do this, filmmakers must strive for balanced, nuanced storytelling that humanises all sides of the conflict. Highlighting shared humanity, presenting historical contexts accurately, and showcasing stories of coexistence and peace initiatives can foster empathy and understanding. Filmmakers should challenge stereotypes and resist the temptation to simplify complex issues for the sake of sensationalism. As audiences, we must demand more from the film industry. We should support films that offer diverse perspectives and challenge our preconceived notions. By doing so, we can encourage a cinematic landscape that not only entertains but also educates and fosters dialogue. In the current climate, where the Israel-Palestine conflict remains a contentious and painful issue, the film industry has a unique responsibility. It can be a force for division or a catalyst for understanding and peace. The choice is ours to make.
The writer is a 3rd year student of Mass Communication and Journalism Discipline at Khulna University. He could be reached at [email protected].
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