Preserving Palestinian Cinematic Heritage
The film library in Toulouse, France, has become a vital repository for a collection of 40 Palestinian films produced between 1960 and 1980. These films, depicting daily life and military training, serve as an essential record of Palestinian history and culture. One notable film addresses the experiences of a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon during 1976. The films, originally shot on 16 and 30 mm cameras, have suffered from age-related deterioration but continue to hold significant historical value.
The Journey of the Films
The collection's journey to Toulouse has been fraught with challenges, particularly after the Israeli bombing of the Palestinian Film Foundation's headquarters in Beirut in the early 1980s, where approximately 100 films were stored. Khadija Habashneh, the foundation's director and a committed feminist activist, has tirelessly worked to recreate this archive. Despite the loss of original copies, she has successfully gathered reels from around the world, preserving a vital part of Palestinian identity. At 79 years old, Habashneh remains dedicated to her mission.
The Importance of Documenting Palestinian Life
In a recent interview, Habashneh emphasized the critical need for Palestinians in the 1960s to document their revolution and daily lives, ensuring that their stories are not forgotten. Ugo Daroman, a scholar of Palestinian cinema, noted that these films were politically motivated and aimed to reflect the Palestinian struggle. The films have been shown globally, from Cuba to Vietnam, and despite wear and tear, they remain an essential part of the Palestinian narrative. The Toulouse Film Library plans to digitize and showcase these films, making them accessible to wider audiences, with hopes of eventually returning them to the Palestinian territories.
- The digitization process is crucial for preserving the films, allowing for better quality screenings and broader distribution. Library director Frank Loiret highlighted the historical significance of these films, noting that they represent the first time Palestinians filmed their own experiences. The films will be showcased during events such as the 'Palestine Cinema' Festival, increasing awareness of Palestinian culture and history. The ambition remains to establish a dedicated institution for these films in the Palestinian territories when circumstances allow.
