Interview with film series organizers
This spring, two regional Affinity Groups of our broader Apartheid-Free Communities network are hosting film series! These film series are a great way to reach a new audience and share educational materials and steps for action. We spoke with one of the key organizers from each film series to learn more about what goes into making them happen, and how communities across the network might be able to host their own film series or screenings.
How did you decide to start your ongoing film series?
Jeeda (British Columbia): The main goal of our Apartheid Awareness Movie Night series is to raise public awareness about apartheid in Palestine, on Turtle Island, and in South Africa. Film screenings are low-key, non-confrontational educational events. They often attract people who are curious about the topic but wouldn’t normally attend other social justice events like rallies.
Shana (Vermont): The idea for the Palestine Film Series emerged in December 2023. A group of us had organized a pro-Palestinian march, rally, and vigil, but we recognized the need for educational events that would bring the community together. We were trying to brainstorm what to do next, and someone suggested a film series.
What films have you screened or are you planning to screen? How did you choose them?
Shana: We select films based on three criteria. We choose films that center Palestinian voices; offer an authentic window into Palestinian lives, culture, or history; and feel timely and compelling. For the selection process, I research films from festivals around the country and internationally to generate a list of films that seem to fit our criteria. From there, I pass the list along to our film selection committee. Based on their responses, I narrow down the list and try to watch the most promising films in their entirety.
In the past three years, the film series has combined short and feature-length documentaries and narrative films. This year we screened Palestine ‘36, The Voice of Hind Rajab, Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, and two shorter films. There are details about all of the films on our website.
Jeeda: We have a team of post-secondary educators, many of whom are filmmakers as well, who help us choose the films and advise us on how to access them. In March, we screened Atrocity Inc., which sheds light on how the Zionist entity has used media and propaganda to sell its destruction of Gaza to people around the world. For our next film, an Indigenous team member picked We Were Children, a film that features personal testimonies of residential school survivors. The film after that will be about apartheid in South Africa.
Who contributes to the logistics that go into organizing a film series or screening? What needs to happen to make the event come together?
Shana: Our film series is a collaboration between Latchis Arts, which hosts us in their historic theater in Brattleboro, Southern Vermont for Palestine, and our committee of volunteers. It runs for four consecutive Sundays in March, April, and May. We order the films through independent film distributors, such as Watermelon Pictures, and in some cases, we get the films directly from the filmmakers. They are as eager to get their films out into the world as we are to screen them.
Jeeda: The way our series works is that any group anywhere in the country or outside can let us know if they want to host a screening of any of our films. We provide them with a package that includes all materials needed, like the screener link for the films or discussion questions to share afterwards. The communities hosting a screening only have to arrange for the logistics in their own cities (booking a space, creating an RSVP link, or publicizing the event to their audience).
Usually, a team of 6 activists works on each set of screenings to select the films, get access, and create discussion questions to be used after the screening if needed. A member of our Apartheid-Free organizing team creates the posters that we use to publicize the events. Anchors from our core team of organizers also coordinate with the groups hosting screenings, and make sure they have access to the materials package.
Who shows up to the film series? How do you advertise it?
Shana: The films get pretty consistent audiences of 50-100 people. People who care about Palestine and want to learn more come long distances to see the films. To advertise, we have a graphic artist design a poster, and send press releases to regional newspapers and community television stations. Announcements also go out in arts and social justice calendars, as well as through local groups we collaborate with.
Jeeda: Once we confirm what groups will host each set of screenings, we create a post on our Instagram and Upscrolled where we add all the screenings happening across the country with links and details. We encourage each group to advertise in their local cities as well. The community members that show up depend on where each screening is held, but audiences can consist of students, neighbors, faith communities, and more.
What impacts from the film series has your audience shared or have you noticed in your community?
Shana: The films have been an effective way to raise awareness about Palestinian issues. People have told me months later how much the films have meant to them and how deeply they were moved by the stories. The series has also been a great way for people to connect with Southern Vermont for Palestine and get more involved with pro-Palestinian organizing.
Initially, we weren’t thinking about the film series as an annual event. However, in the spring of 2025, when the genocide in Gaza was still raging and high-profile films were released, we were motivated to present another series. In the past three years, we’ve developed a strong relationship with Latchis Theatre, cultivated a dedicated audience, and expanded our reach to people who are curious about Palestine and want to learn more.
Jeeda: The film series helps to raise awareness about apartheid across different contexts. We encourage hosts of each screening to introduce the Apartheid-Free pledge after their screening and share about the Apartheid-Free Communities initiative. It’s a great way to invite people to take action after learning the info introduced in each film as well as the discussion that takes place after the screening. Once the audience gains that knowledge from the films, we want it to go hand in hand with taking action, and the Apartheid-Free pledge is an easy actionable step that any community could take.
What advice do you have for Apartheid-Free Communities or organizers who are thinking about hosting their own film series?
Jeeda: I’d encourage them to reach out to us and take these films to their cities or communities. They can pick whatever films they would like to take on, and can take breaks during the months when they do not have the capacity to organize a local screening. Films are a great way to reach out to a broader audience, as opposed to always preaching to the same choir.
Shana: It’s not as hard to organize a film series as one might think! Advertising that admission is by donation can help bring in a larger audience. Don’t hesitate to reach out to filmmakers and film festival producers. They’ll be happy to provide additional information and to know that you’re screening Palestinian films.
I also recommend selecting films about apartheid conditions in Palestine. Then the audience experiences visually and viscerally the meaning and implications of Israel as an apartheid state. Of all the films that we’ve shown, The Present, Walled Off, and My Neighborhood are the best examples. I would be glad to talk to anyone who is interested in putting on a film series in their area; they can reach out to sovt4palestine@gmail.com.
Is there anything else you would like to share about the film series?
Shana: We always hand out slips of paper asking for comments on the film, getting contact information, and sharing a short checklist of ways to get involved with Southern Vermont for Palestine. We also have moderated conversations after each screening. It’s important to engage the audience while they’re at the screening.
Jeeda: Just that I hope to see more cities joining this initiative! It is always more powerful to do things collectively.