“Bringing films from Palestine gives the chance for the people of Bristol to learn about the people of Palestine”

Bristol Palestine Film Festival returns this month, running from December 2 – 11.

Palestinian Voices in Film and Music is included in the programme events which is an evening of film dedicated to the brilliant musicians emerging from this scene.

The screenings will be three short films, including Sami Alalul’s From Beneath The Earth, Sameer Qumsiyeh’s Voiceless and Wisam al-Jafari’s Ambience. Ranging from 7 to 21 minutes long, each film will be shown in Arabic with English subtitles.

This will be followed by a panel discussion with Sami Alalul and Sameer Qumsiyeh, hosted by Sally Azzam and Melissa Cheman.

The directors will be showcasing their music, perspectives and struggles as they celebrate life through their art and channel their drive for self-determination.

From Beneath The Earth is a 2017 documentary film that showcases the work and artistic perspectives of Palestinian musicians in their own words.

“The film From Beneath the Earth attempts to explore the individual journey of different artists each with their own musical language and set of circumstances,” director Sami Alalul tells Bristol24/7.

“The film portrays the artistic struggles of musicians to express oneself, within a highly political atmosphere, while remaining authentic to themselves and their audiences.”

The next film shown will be Voiceless which reflects on music, passion and politics with Mafar – an alternative rock band from Palestine.

“My film is an attempt to show an alternative view on Palestine away from the usual view of occupation and conflict,” director Sameer Qumsiyeh explains.

“My aim was to show that we in Palestine actually have a life, we make music, we are passionate and we have something to say about the world, but most importantly that we do all of these things despite the unfortunate political situation.”

Ambience shows a chaotic refugee camp and two Palestinians failing in their attempt to record a demo for a music competition, find a creative way forward.

Each film spotlights the plights and struggles musicians go through in Palestine to create their art.

“Musicians face struggles across the globe, but in Palestine difficulties such as finding an income, securing a gig, or signing a deal are compounded by the Israeli occupation that controls all aspects of life for Palestinians,” Sami tells us.

“Social, economic and cultural constraints within Palestinian communities also bear their head. What emerges is that music in Palestine is a highly political yet personal act of resistance.”

Similarly, Sameer explains why it is important to highlight Palestinian culture in the UK; “I believe that the mainstream media is biased and that the Palestinian story isn’t being portrayed fairly.

“Bringing films from Palestine, by Palestinan filmmakers gives the chance for people from Bristol to learn about Palestine from the people of Palestine themselves.”

Palestinian Voices in Film and Music takes place on Sunday 4 December at 7:30pm and tickets are available here.

You can take a look at the full programme for Bristol Palestine Festival here.

Main photo: courtesy of Bristol Palestine Film Festival

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