Watch Mayor

Mayor is a 2020 documentary film directed by David Osit. It follows Musa Hadid, the charismatic mayor of Ramallah, Palestine, as he navigates the challenges of his position and works to improve the lives of his constituents. The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at local politics in Palestine and provides a glimpse into the daily struggles and triumphs of those living under occupation.

The film opens with Mayor Hadid going about his daily routine, meeting with constituents and city officials, and trying to resolve various issues facing the city. From the outset, it is clear that Hadid is deeply committed to his job and to the people he serves. He is compassionate, empathetic, and willing to go to great lengths to help his constituents, even if it means navigating difficult political waters to get things done.

Throughout the film, we are introduced to a cast of characters that make up the city of Ramallah. From street vendors to shopkeepers, from city officials to young activists, we see the full spectrum of life in Palestine. We also witness the many challenges facing the city, including poverty, unemployment, and a lack of basic infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Mayor Hadid remains optimistic and determined to make a difference.

One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the way in which it juxtaposes the struggles of daily life in Palestine with the rituals and ceremonies that make up the fabric of Palestinian society. We see weddings, funerals, and other important events unfold against the backdrop of a city under occupation. These scenes serve to highlight the resilience and strength of the Palestinian people in the face of adversity.

As the film progresses, we see Mayor Hadid begin to take on larger projects, including the construction of a new cultural center in the city. The project is fraught with challenges, however, as he must navigate the complex political landscape of Palestinian governance and overcome the bureaucratic obstacles in his path. Despite these challenges, he perseveres, driven by his belief in the power of art and culture to unify people and foster positive change.

One of the most poignant moments in the film comes when Mayor Hadid travels to a nearby refugee camp to attend a wedding. As he dances and celebrates with the wedding guests, he reflects on the fact that many of those he is dancing with are living in squalor and poverty. It is a bittersweet moment, highlighting the stark contrast between the joy of the wedding and the struggles of daily life for many Palestinians.

Throughout the film, we also see glimpses into the personal life of Mayor Hadid. We meet his wife and children, and see the toll that his demanding job takes on his family. We also learn about his own experiences growing up in Palestine, and how those experiences have shaped his commitment to public service.

Overall, Mayor is a powerful and moving film that offers a unique perspective on life in Palestine. Through the lens of Mayor Hadid's daily struggles and triumphs, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Palestine, and of the resilience and strength of its people. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Mayor is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 75.