The Wanted 18, one of the films featured in this year’s Human Rights Watch Film Festival in London, tells the true story of a group of Palestinian activists in the West Bank town of Beit Sahour who chose an unorthodox method of resistance during the first intifada. Through a blend of interviews and stop-motion animation, The Wanted 18 depicts the creation of a small independent milk-production cooperative with just 18 cows, which was declared a security threat and consequently pursued by the Israeli army.
The film is based upon a short story written by former MAP Director of Programmes in the West Bank, Dr Majed Nassar. Speaking to MAP, Dr Nassar described his involvement in the development of the film: “The events in the film took place during the first Intifada, where I was involved as an activist and directly involved in this story. I wrote the story of the cows in 2002, and it was published in a book called ‘Small dreams; 14 short stories from Palestine’. When the filmmakers decided to make the movie they used my book as background, and interviewed me together with other activists.”
The film being shown at the Human Rights Film Festival is in English, however an Arabic version is also in production. Dr Nassar believes that films like this are important not only to bear witness to the events of the first intifada and the history of non-violent protest against occupation, but also to allow young Palestinians to learn about this history: “For those of us who lived that period, it was an unforgettable experience,” he said. “Unfortunately the majority of the Palestinians themselves do not know of this story and its broader and deeper background, as 70% of them are below the age of 30 years. So this is history for them. Exactly because of this reason, the making of the movie becomes tremendously important.”
For Dr Nassar, this story is not just about documenting the past, but also looking to the future: “The film tells about the daily life of the occupation, and it is important to remind the public that Palestine is still under occupation,” he said. “The Palestinians have still a long way to go for freedom, independence and the realization of their self-determination. Solidarity with and support of the Palestinian cause is still badly needed.”
The Wanted 18 is showing on March 23, 24 and 26, with screenings followed by a Q&A discussion with the filmmaker, Amer Shomali. More details and ticketing information can be found here.
You can read more about MAP’s work in Occupied Palestine here.