Film Review: Last Supper - Abu Dis
In Abu Dis, people watch the contruction of the wall in their village. Now, people must pass through the Israeli
checkpoint to reach neighbors, schools and hospitals, located on the other side of the wall (Photo courtesy of CPFF)
The documentary, "Last Supper - Abu Dis," records the final phase of Israel's wall construction in the Palestinian
Village of Abu Dis.
The village is located SE of East Jerusalem, near the West Bank border. Villagers have a panoramic view of Jerusalem.
While workers finalize construction, the people share their thoughts and feelings about the wall, eight-meters high,
erected meters from their homes. Once complete, the concrete wall separates neighbors; it severs access to schools and
hospitals; it prevents the use of green areas; and it eliminates their breathtaking view of Jerusalem.
The wall makes the people feel like they live in prison.
"Now we start to feel strangled. It creates a form of depression and is sickening. You feel as if life has come to an
end," one man says. He explains that the wall isolates people from the land, its aroma and his access to relatives and
Jerusalem.
Even though the outskirts of East Jerusalem are within sight, Palestinians with West Bank status are not allowed to
walk inside Israel without a special permit or ID. When the wall was not in Abu Dis, families were cautious about
entering into nearby areas designated as security zones by the Israeli Army. If West Bankers are caught, they face legal
repercussions. However, neighbors, the view of the city and the green, rolling hills filled with Roman olive trees
surrounded Abu Dis. These aspects of the village made it more livable for people.
Now, the wall severs their daily, sensory relationship with the land. Trees have been cut to make room for the wall.
Sheep walk on gravel roads alongside the concrete, but there appears to be no grass for them to graze anymore.
In writing, the State of Israel declared that by law they have the legal right to take appropriate action to protect
its citizens. The legal statements explain the construction of the wall is for security. However, the wall is erected
next to Palestinians' homes. In Abu Dis the path of the wall causes more than an inconvenience but major life
disruptions. The wall imprisons the people. They are left with two choices: remain in the village and be miserable, or
leave their homes and live somewhere else?
In the background a tragic, violin solo plays to the panoramic sky, sun, clouds, and the cityscape of Jerusalem's white
homes. A piano joins and then a chorus of voices. Within the next, two days the new view will be concrete blocks: a
negation of humanity. The wall is a cement construct of hate declared illegal by the International Court of Justice.
With white chalk, young men write on the wall.
A toddler boy tells his mothers about the different-colored candies in Hebron. He asks her if the night lights
emanating from Jerusalem are red. Two years later, does he still ask questions about colors?
People who see this film will gain an understanding of the wall's impact on the Palestinians. People who have opinions
about safety and security in the Holy Land for Israelis and Palestinians should see this film. It gives an up-close and
personal look at the people who live with the wall.
-This film (in Arabic with English subtitles) will be showing at the Gene Siskel Center, located at 164 N. State St.
for the 5th Annual Chicago Palestine Film Festival on Monday, May 15 at 6:15 P.M. and Thursday, May 18 at 6:15 P.M. For
more information, please visit palestinefilmfest.com
Images and sound - Issa Freij and Nicolas Wadimoff
Editor - Issa Freij
Translation - Albert Aghazarian
Music - Avro Part; Speigel Im Spiegel; Fur Alima; 1999 ECM Records
1991
Duration: 20 minutes
2005
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U.S. journalist and film critic Sonia Nettnin writes about social, political, economic, and cultural issues. Her focus
is the Middle East.