The first-ever Singapore Palestinian Film Festival wants you to shove aside all your preconceived notions about Palestine and focus on the stories of the people and their rich culture. This non-profit series of six titles — which came to life thanks to a fundraising campaign that drew in $2,500 to help the organiser pay for screening rights, film permits and event booklets — is supported by the Middle East Institute (NUS).
The fest kicks off with Speed Sisters, a 2015 documentary revolving around the titular all-female Palestinian racing team. Other titles in the line-up include Slingshot Hip Hop, a look into the Palestinian hip hop scene; and The Wanted 18, a true tale of the Israeli army’s hunt for 18 cows in a Palestinian farm — apparently, their milk production was deemed a national security threat.
One highlight to look out for is 5 Broken Cameras, a first-hand narrative of life in Bil’in, a West Bank village surrounded by Israeli settlements. Shot by a Palestinian farmer, the documentary traces his family’s evolution over six years of turmoil.
The Singapore Palestinian Film Festival is on from Jan 19-22, various timings at The Projector, #05-00 Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Rd. $11.50-$13.50.
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