For 9 days, Eye on Palestine turns the spotlight on inspiring films, concerts, and the performing and other arts – all linked to Palestine.
The festival is a meeting place where both young and experienced artists can share their view of the reality in Palestine with the audience.
Day 1
28.03.2015
Théâtre Marni
THE DO GOODERS
Chloe Ruthven
17:00, Théâtre Marni
Documentary, 75', in English, subtitled in French
'The Do Gooders’ explores the impact of decades of foreign aid on Palestinians. The central question is whether the West's acts of altruism are in fact helping to maintain the injustices of the status quo of the occupation. In a guerrilla style ‘Thelma and Louise’ road movie journeying deep into the murky world of International Aid, Chloe (British) and Lubna (Palestinian) explore the impact of Foreign Aid on the region. But what starts out as a simple quest, becomes increasingly complex as the personal and political become ever more entwined.
Film screening in the presence of Chloe Ruthven.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uFwr2LRx8k
DEBATE: ON THE RELATIONSHIP WITH PALESTINE
After the screening of the film ‘The Do-Gooders’, the ABP (Association belgo-palestinienne) proposes and leads a discussion on international aid and presence in Palestine. For many years, Palestine has been a deployment ground for all kinds of NGOs. Do these new players really bring something extra in the Palestinian people’s struggle for self-determination or do they merely contribute to propping up an ailing economic system already in its death throes owing to Israeli occupation? A critical look at the presence of international organisations in Palestine.
47SOUL
20:00, concert, Théâtre Marni
The music of 47SOUL combines Debka, the traditional Palestinian street music and dance, with deep electronic beats mixed with sounds of the Middle East, from Iraqi Choubi to Mijwez.
47SOUL takes these sounds to the global dance foor with analog synthesizers, dub effects, and trance-inducing guitar lines. Their lyrics, mixing Arabic and English, focus on elebration, freedom and the struggle for equality around the world.
>>> DAY TICKET €5
Day 2
29.03.2015
CC Jacques Franck
NATION STATE
Larissa Sansour
20:00, CC Jacques Franck
Short film, 9'
Nation Estate is a sci-fi short picturing an imaginary Palestinian society suffering the consequences of the impasse which it has reached. Sansour presents a hilarious vertical solution for the Palestinian state in the shape of a skyscraper in which every Palestinian town occupies its own floor.
OPEN BETHLEHEM
Leila Sansour
+ talk with director Leila Sansour
20:10, CC Jacques Franck
Documentary, 90', in English, subtitled in French
Open Bethlehem follows renowned Palestinian film-maker Leila Sansour’s extraordinary ten year journey as she captures Bethlehem as it has never been seen before. Armed with a camera and a family car that keeps breaking down, she sets out to make an intimate portrait of a historical town in peril.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aivDpXxMhaA
>>> DAY TICKET €4.50/ €3 / €1.25 (Art 27)
Day 3
30.03.2015
KVS
THE WANTED 18 (Première)
Amer Shomali and Paul Cowan
+ Talk with director Amer Shomali
20:00 - KVS_BOL
Documentary, 75', in English and Arabic, subtitled in Dutch and French
The Wanted 18 tells the story of Palestinian neighbourhood Beit Sahour during the first Intifada. A group of activists, intellectuals and students decides to achieve more economic independence from Israel by producing their own dairy products. They acquire a herd of 18 beautiful cows and without any previous experience but with enthusiastic cooperation, they soon succeed in producing milk for the entire community. This is not to the liking of the IDF, which declares the cows to be “a threat to the safety of the state of Israel”. They start a search action to catch these quadruped security risks and tjeir Palestinian tenderers. The humorist narrative style and the combination of archived material, interviews, re-enactment and several types of animation make this movie into a melancholy and heartwarming tale of Palestinian history.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnIpxHsqB2o
THE PRISONER
Remah Jabr
22:00 - KVS_TOP
Theatre, in English, 60'
In "The Prisoner", writer and director Remah Jabr puts herself in the place of a Palestinian prisoner telling his story to a tape recorder in his lonely cell. He is looking forward to being reunited with his lover waiting for him outside. He is confronted with an informer. He has a rendez-vous. Yet in Remah Jabr’s pieces, nothing is ever what it seems. Gradually, all realism fades until the only certainty that is left is that nothing is certain.
Written and directed by Remah Jabr, with Joris Van den Brande. Produced by RITS.
Remah Jabr, who hails from Nablus, came to Brussels along the trajectory which the KVS is setting up in Palestine. She was involved with the production "Keffiyeh/Made in China" and last year at Eye on Palestine she presented "Two Ladybugs", a project that was part of her two year training as a director at the Rits. Her work often plays in a twilight zone, in the time between the pulling of the trigger and the impact of the bullet, a time which doesn’t exist, in which her characters weigh and decide on their choices and ochances with a large dose of self-mockery. Remah is artist in residence at Moussem Nomadisch Kunstencentrum. Here, she will present her first project in Dutch "De Dochter" (The Daughter) later this season .
>>> DAY TICKET €9
Day 4
31.03.2015
KVS
THIS IS MY LAND
Tamara Erde
20:00 - KVS_BOL
Documentary, 90', in English
How is national history taught in the Palestinian and Israeli education systems? In 'This is my land', Tamara Erde follows Palestinian and Israeli teachers during one school year. All of the teachers are conscious of the role history plays in the construction of individual and national identities. The film shows the dilemmas and questions which come to the fore in recounting and interpreting the history of an ongoing conflict.
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/104188439
L'IMPOSSIBLE NEUTRALITÉ (NEUTRALITY IMPOSSIBLE)
Raven Ruëll
22:00 - KVS_TOP
Lecture/performance, in French, subtitled in Dutch, 95'
Theatre director Raven Ruëll has made a number of remarkable productions at KVS, including "Parasiites", "The Life and Works of Leopold II" and "Mission", which is still being performed. He has also written a number of individual texts, which he often performs himself.
“Neutrality Impossible" was triggered by a photograph of a happy family picknicking while they are watching a Palestinian family being evicted from their home. Ruëll could not stop watching that picture. It drives him to read through piles of documentation, attend everything connected from the Russell Tribunal to conferences, and ultimately losing the ability to remain impartial.
In Francophone theatre company Groupov, Ruëll found the perfect partner to play out his initial bafflement on the scene. Ruëll has never hidden his admiration of director Delcuvellerie. He was especially impressed by the way he told the prehistory of the gencide in "Rwanda 94".
With the cooperation of Marie-France Collard, Jacques Delcuvellerie and Jean-Pierre Urbano.
>>> DAY TICKET €9
Day 5
01.04.2015
KVS
CONCERNING VIOLENCE
Göran Olsson
20:00 - KVS_BOL
Documentary, 85', in English
Concerning Violence is a documentary based on archive images of the most courageous moments of the struggle for liberation in the third world. The film a quest for the mechanisms of decolonization guided by Frantz Fanon’s text ' Les Damnés de la Terre' (The Wretched of the Earth', 1961). In this celebrated work, Fanon discusses the dehumanising effects of colonisation and the justified counterviolence of the oppressed. The book remains relevant for those seeking to understand the process of neo-colonialism and the (violent) reactions it engenders. Film maker Göran Hugo Olsson constructs a visual narrative of Africa and the anti-colonial struggle using images shot by radical Swedish film makers which were found in the archives of Swedish Television. The film provides an ideal framework to place and discuss the Palestinian resistance.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLmYWL4TIEc
POETIC PILGRIMAGE
Slam-intervention, KVS_BOL
The evening will be enlivened by the poetry-rap of the British spoken word collective “Poetic Pilgrimage” aka Muneera Rashida and Sukina Abdul Noor, MCs/poets from Bristol eager to conquer the world with their muzic, texts and charisma. They are pioneers in the British Hip Hop scene and serve as bridgebuilders between their community and the larger Hip Hop genre. On stage they deliver fiery poetry and rap expressing their individuality, religion and feminism on exhilarating beats.
DEBATE 'CONCERNING VIOLENCE'
with Nadia Fadil and Koen Bogaert
After the documentary, KVS_BOL
In English
Violence is a subject usually understood mainly in moral terms. Violence brings pain, disruption, chaos and is therefore a priori a bad thing. We rarely stop to consider the political role of violence, especially in enduring conflicts and wars, such as the Palestinian predicament. Following the film “Concerning Violence”, we are joined by two Fanon experts, Nadia Fadil and Koen Bogaert, for a discussion on the sense and lack thereof of violence and its (il)legitimate use in Palestine/Israel, as well as the double standards in the discourse surrounding these issues.
Koen Bogaert is a researcher in the Middle East and North Africa Research Group at the University of Ghent. His research subjects include processes of political change in the Arab world. Nadia Fadil teaches at the Centre for Interculturalism, Migration and Minorities at the University of Louvain. She studies Islam and secularism in Belgium and Europe and is actively involved in the public debate on diversity.
>>> DAY TICKET €9
Day 6
02.04.2015
KVS
ON REPRESENTATION OF THE CONFLICT IN CINEMA
François Dubuisson
20:00 - KVS_BOL
Lecture, in French (simultaneously translated to Dutch), 90'
François Dubuisson is a Professor of International Law at the ULB in Brussels and has written an impressive oeuvre. Recently he has published a study on the international obligations of the European Union and its member states regarding economic relations with Israeli settlements. But Dubuisson has not only published on countless breaches of international law, he is also passionate about cinematography. His lecture is based on his interest in the way the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is interpreted in (global) films. He does not restrict himself to Palestinian production, but also looks at Israeli cinema and at Hollywood and Bollywood. Several episodes and themes of the conflict are highlighted: the foundation of the state of Israel or the Nakba, Palestinian citizens in Israel, the occupation and the peace process. His lecture is illustrated with countless film scenes and sequences.
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/118251777?from=facebook
EMPTY HEAD
Yazan Eweidat
22:00 - KVS_TOP
Dance, 15'
Our heads are filled with ideas, some of them are good and some of them are bad, some of these ideas stick for a while roaming in our minds. SHE is an idea in his mind, but SHE has been there for a long time, he has to let her go and that is a though decision to make.
Choreographed and directed by Yazan Eweidat, in collaboration with Salma Ataya
Yazan Eweidat en Salma Ataya both performed in Badke, a coproduction by KVS, les ballets C de la B and A.M. Qattan Foundation.
>>> FOR FREE
Day 7
03.04.2015
KVS
NEW MIDDLE EAST
Khashabi Ensemble & Oyoun Theatre
+ Talk with director Bashar Murkus
20:30 - KVS_BOX
Theatre, in Arabic, surtitled in Dutch and French, 60'
Bashar Murkus is a young Palestinian director from Haifa, a town in Israel where Jews and Palestinians live together under increasing pressure. This is not Murkus’ first time to bring his work to Brussels. At the end of 2013, Espace Magh showed the impressive 'Bye Bye Gilo', a project which involved Murkus cooperating with Taha Adnan, a Belgian with Moroccan roots, on a text written by the latter.
"New Middle East" is a cooperation between the Khashabi Ensemble and Oyoun Theatre from the Golan Heights, a part of Syrië occupied by Israel since 1967. The dialogue between the masked executioner and his female victim has an increasingly absurdist character and takes many unexpected twists and turns.
This piece was written in 2013 as a fictionalised reflection of the Syrian (civil) war which is also waged in the Golan.
More than that, however, the piece is also a vision of the totalitarian violence which is holding the Middle East hostage.
Written by Moataz Abu Saleh, dramaturgy and direction: Bashar Murkus, with Amal Kais-Abu Saleh & Henry Andrawes, music: Terze Sleman & Yazan Ibrahee, scenography: Majdala Khoury
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtAdC5IH_Ec
TRIP ALONG EXODUS (Première)
Hind Shoufani
22:00 - KVS_BOL
Documentary, in Arabic, subtitled in English, 120'
This documentary explores the last 70 years of Palestinian politics seen through the prism of the life of Dr Elias Shoufani, a leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, an academic writer and leftist intellectual, author of 25 books, who was one of the leaders of the opposition to Arafat within Fateh for 20 years. He is also the father of the filmmaker, Hind.The film follows his story from being under occupation in 1948, to moving to America to get a PHD from Princeton in the 1960’s, followed by him giving up his tenured professorship to return and join the underground PLO in Beirut, where he lived for a decade till 1983, and the subsequent move to Syria and his current exile in war torn Damascus.
Screening in the presence of director Hind Shoufani
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/112111458
>>> DAY TICKET €9
Day 8
04.04.2015
KVS
DÉCRIS-RAVAGE
Adeline Rosenstein
14:00 - KVS_BOL
Theatre, in French, 150' (4 parts of each 30' with 10' break, free entrance during the breaks)
Adeline Rosenstein is a global citizen with Jewish roots, who's living in Brussels since 2008. She is an actress and director passionate about documentary theatre. In "Décris-Ravage" she has summoned all her narrative powers to explain in six chapters how The Situation in Israel/Palestina has come about. From Napoleon via Lord Balfour to the Nakba: the more you try to grasp the history, the more it escapes your grasp. In the process, however, an intelligent piece of theatre play, one of its kind, has been created. Rosenstein and her five compagnons forgo illustration yet are constantly looking for ways to entice the audience into joining their quest for the ever fugitive truth. This involves teaching, witnessing and reading. And translating. Or discussing translations.
At the time of writing, four chapters have been finished. Each chapter lasts a half hour and is followed by a ten minute break. They can be enjoyed separately but are better appreciated together. Part 1: 2 pm; Part 2: 2.40 pm; Part 3: 3.20 pm; Part 4: 4 pm
On Décris-Ravage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6loRgO9JlW0
WHOSE EYES ON PALESTINE?
with Remah Jabr, Bashar Murkus, Adeline Rosenstein, Raven Ruëll, Yazan Eweidat
17:00 - KVS_BOL
Debate, in English
The representation of Palestine and of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a war zone in and of itself. Every statement in this field is charged, every perspective partial, every approach framed by an ideology, a worldview or a perspective on the future. The discussions on the programme of Eye on Palestine are an illustration of this minefield: it is not easy to reconcile activist motivations and artistic (self)reflection. Caught in the heat of this war of images, Palestinians have to struggle to retain some agency over their image of themselves: their daily life, love, lust for life, humour and surrealism. The creators of the performances and films shown at Eye on Palestine are very conscious of this fact too. In or through their work, they research the (im)possibility to represent the conflict. Who is entitled to say what and on which subject?
NEW MIDDLE EAST
Khashabi Ensemble & Oyoun Theatre
20:30 - KVS_BOX
Theatre, in Arabic, surtitled in Dutch and French, 60'
Bashar Murkus is a young Palestinian director from Haifa, a town in Israel where Jews and Palestinians live together under increasing pressure. This is not Murkus’ first time to bring his work to Brussels. At the end of 2013, Espace Magh showed the impressive 'Bye Bye Gilo', a project which involved Murkus cooperating with Taha Adnan, a Belgian with Moroccan roots, on a text written by the latter.
"New Middle East" is a cooperation between the Khashabi Ensemble and Oyoun Theatre from the Golan Heights, a part of Syrië occupied by Israel since 1967. The dialogue between the masked executioner and his female victim has an increasingly absurdist character and takes many unexpected twists and turns.
This piece was written in 2013 as a fictionalised reflection of the Syrian (civil) war which is also waged in the Golan.
More than that, however, the piece is also a vision of the totalitarian violence which is holding the Middle East hostage.
Written by Moataz Abu Saleh, dramaturgy and direction: Bashar Murkus, with Amal Kais-Abu Saleh & Henry Andrawes, music: Terze Sleman & Yazan Ibrahee, scenography: Majdala Khoury
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtAdC5IH_Ec
PARTY - DJ BRUSELO
22:00, KVS_BOX
Bruselo is the artistic project of Bleri Lleshi (philosopher, documentary maker and activist). As a DJ he wants to show people the diversity of music by playing and promoting music from all over the world. Urban roots & global grooves from the mountains of Balkan to the beaches of Brazil: Balkan, arabesque, soukous, afrobeat, cumbia, kuduro… but also hip hop, reggae. Music with groove! Most of the music Bruselo plays has a social and political message which he connects to the audience.
Bruselo has been playing in various parties, venues and festivals. At the moment he is organizing Groovalicious, a monthly party in Brussels where hundreds of people come to party and enjoy the global grooves. Together with Dj Mukambo he has a weekly radio mix on FM Brussel.
>>> DAY TICKET €9
Day 9
05.04.2015
CC Jacques Franck
ON THE BRIDE'S SIDE
Antonio Augugliaro, Gabriele Del Grande, Khaled Soliman Al Nassiry
20:00, CC Jacques Franck
Documentary, 89', subtitled in French
When del Grande and el Nassiry meet a group of Syrians and Palestinians in Milan who escaped the Syrian war via Lampedusa, the idea is born to travel to Sweden with this group, pretending to travel to attend a wedding. The film recounts the story of this risky undertaking. Accompanied by a Palestinian friend in bridal dress and a dozen Italian and Syrian friends disguised as wedding guests, they embark on a trip of over 3,000 kilometers. On the way, we get to know the personal stories and the itineraries of each traveler and take a look at the cracks and locked doors of Fortress Europe.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJ1Y43cIM60
>>> DAY TICKET €4.50 / €3 / €1.25 (Art 27)
Occupy KVS
30.03 > 05.04.2015
Throughout the festival Eye on Palestine the KVS will be occupied by non-profit organisation ‘Maramiya’ for a dazzling trip to the streets of Palestine. They welcome everyone in the entrance hall of the KVS_Bol for a taste of their workshops, a book salon, short films including Mohanad Yakubi’s ‘No Exit’ and Ramzi Hazboun’s ‘Pink Bullet’ and tea, a lot of tea. Sage tea or Maramiya is very popular in Palestine and served generously because of its calming and therapeutic effect. And that is only the beginning.
Maramiya is a Palestinian Cultural Centre, based in Brussels, that sheds light on the social and cultural life of Palestinians ‘over here’ and ‘over there’ through workshops, conferences, film screenings, concerts and after-work events.
