Independent Lens Season 5 Episode 4 A Wedding in Ramallah

A Wedding in Ramallah is an episode of the fifth season of Independent Lens. It follows the story of a Palestinian American named Mariam who falls in love with a Palestinian man named Amer while studying abroad. They decide to get married, but Amer lives in Ramallah, a city in the Palestinian territories, while Mariam lives in Brooklyn, New York. The episode chronicles their struggle to navigate the bureaucracy and security issues involved in obtaining a visa for Mariam to travel to Ramallah for the wedding.

The episode is a powerful exploration of the difficulties faced by Palestinians living in the occupied territories, as well as the challenges faced by those who seek to marry across borders and cultures. It examines the complex political and personal issues that arise as Mariam and Amer try to build a life together despite the obstacles.

Throughout the episode, we see Mariam and Amer working tirelessly to obtain the necessary paperwork for Mariam's visa, and struggling against the prejudices and bureaucratic hurdles they encounter along the way. We also see the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the ways in which it impacts the lives of ordinary people like Mariam and Amer.

Despite the challenges they face, the couple remains committed to their relationship and to each other, and their love is ultimately stronger than the many obstacles in their path. The episode is a moving tribute to the resilience and perseverance of people who refuse to let political differences and social barriers stand in the way of their love and commitment to each other.

A Wedding in Ramallah is a powerful and emotional episode of Independent Lens, one that is sure to leave viewers with a greater understanding of the complex issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and an appreciation for the strength and courage of those who fight to build bridges across the divides that separate us.