In solidarity with the people of Palestine the Star & Shadow is screening a double-bill of films whose stories we don’t often hear about in the media: stories that are funny, dark, poignant, and heartfelt. All proceeds from the evening will go to the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians.

We begin with the football doc OVER THE WALL. 

Following the 61 minute film there will then be a 20 minute intermission 

The evening of movies will conclude with the doc FREEDOM TO RUN

Over the Wall documents the remarkable journey of a British football team in the heart of the Arab Spring who are transformed by the events they bear witness to in the Middle East. The film follows the team as they tackle their way through post-revolutionary Egypt, pass through Israel and attempt to become the first British sports team to play in Palestine. The experience provides a fascinating insight into the Middle East, football, activism and 21st century London youths. 

Freedom to Run follows the Palestinian running group, Right to Movement, and a group from Glasgow as they train for and run both the Palestine and Edinburgh marathons. Whilst in Palestine, the Scottish runners learn about the impact of the restrictions on everyday life, and that something as universal as running is far from an easy task. Palestinians in the West Bank cannot travel more than ten kilometres before being stopped by Israeli restrictions. Checkpoints, demands for permits, and the apartheid wall surrounding the occupied territories are all part of the struggle of daily life. The runners discover that they are not so different, but that they live very different lives.
 

We have chosen these two films for their capacity to humanise their subjects and centre the prevailing of human life and hope amidst degradation, violence, and oppression. They are also testament to our ability to connect and converse across cultures and create space for solidarity. In screening these two films that centre Palestinian life, but are not Palestinian per se, we hope to convey that Palestine is a cause that exists in the hearts and minds of people from all over the world. In other words, it is a reminder that in our thousands and in our millions, we are all Palestinians.
While the event is free to attend, we will be collecting donations that will go to Medical Aid for Palestine so please bring cash with you if you are able to donate. We look forward to welcoming you to our screening on Friday.