Watch Arna's Children

Arna's Children is a powerful and moving documentary that tells the story of a group of Palestinian children who grew up in the Jenin refugee camp during the Israeli occupation of the West Bank in the 1980s and 1990s. The film is directed by Juliano Mer-Khamis and chronicles the work of his mother, Arna Mer-Khamis, who established a children's theater group in the camp to help the children deal with their trauma and provide them with a creative outlet through which they could express themselves.

The film is shot in a straightforward, observational style that is both compelling and poignant. Mer-Khamis intersperses interviews with the children, footage of them performing in the theater group, and historical footage of the camp and the political context in which the children grew up. The result is a deeply affecting portrait of a group of children who have endured unimaginable hardship, yet who continue to find joy, hope, and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the way in which it sensitively and respectfully depicts the experiences of the children. Mer-Khamis allows the children to speak for themselves, and their voices are given priority over any agenda that the filmmakers might have. This approach lends a rare authenticity to the film, and the result is a work that is both emotionally honest and politically powerful.

Another strength of the film is the way in which it contextualizes the experiences of the children within the broader historical and political context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The film does not shy away from the difficult and complex realities of life in the Jenin refugee camp, or from the violence and oppression that the children and their families have experienced. At the same time, however, the film also shows the joy and creativity that the children are capable of, and it underscores the importance of providing children with opportunities to express themselves, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

The film's central figure, Arna Mer-Khamis, is a fascinating and complex character in her own right. She is depicted as a tireless and passionate advocate for the children of Jenin, who believes deeply in the power of art and creativity to transform lives. She is also someone who is unafraid to challenge the Israeli state, and who has paid a heavy price for her activism over the years. Mer-Khamis died in 1995, and the film serves as a powerful tribute to her legacy and her vision.

Overall, Arna's Children is a must-see documentary that offers a powerful and moving account of the human toll of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is a film that is by turns heartbreaking, inspiring, and thought-provoking, and it is one that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Whether you are deeply familiar with the conflict or are coming to it for the first time, this film is one that should not be missed.

Arna's Children is a 2003 documentary. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 73.