Private

Shot entirely within the confines of the property of a Palestinian family whose home in a strategic location has been commandeered and occupied by the Israeli army, the film adopts the point of view of the family members, showing only what they can see as they are restricted to a small part of their house.  The mother and children do not accept the father’s decision to stay in their home and wage a peaceful resistance under almost intolerable conditions.  His non-violent resistance contrasts curiously with his domination of his terrified and angry family.  The family tensions add to the tension of the occupation.  We see the young Israeli soldiers secretly observed by the daughter as she disobeys both her father and the occupiers to enter the forbidden zone of the house. (Lavinia Mohr)