25.01.24, 20:30, R21 AKA Restoring Solidarity

The nascent struggle for Palestinian self-determination enjoyed the support of radical left movements worldwide between 1960 and 1980. Also in Japan. This is evident from a collection of 16mm films by militant filmmakers from various countries, which were dubbed Japanese to be shown to a Japanese audience. Feeling oppressed by the US occupation after World War II, Japanese people not only sympathised with the Palestinians but identified with them to a great extent.

Stylistically, the films vary enormously. They include interviews with PLO leaders, documentary impressions of life in refugee camps, experimental films and instructional films for tourist purposes. Mohanad Yaqubi drew on this material for a film that can be seen as a possible conclusion or epilogue. He shows how two very different peoples can feel connected through images, but also asks questions. Where is the line between support and propaganda? And to what extent can a local struggle be translated internationally?

The film will be followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Mohanad Yaqubi.