From Palestine to Italy, civil war and other humanitarian crises have forced kids around the world to discover different ways to preserve their sense of agency and dignity. This program of short films explores the multiple forms that activism can take, whether that’s postering, skateboards, or friendship. These kids find a way to take back their own power and help others in the process.
Epicly Palestine’d: The Birth of Skateboarding in the West Bank
Theo Krish | UK | 2015 | 26 mins
Skateboarding rules! In the face of military occupation, a group of Palestinian teens take to the streets with their boards. Life in the West Bank isn’t easy. Bombs and bullets are an everyday threat, and there’s nowhere to buy a new skateboard. -SC
I Am Not Afraid of the Soldiers
Rinske Bosch | The Netherlands | 2015 | 21 mins
Cement walls and guard towers are just part of daily life for young Yazan. Living in a Palestinian refugee camp, he refuses to surrender his autonomy. Through art and action, he and his friends confront Israeli soldiers. -SC
SOS Friendship
Els van Driel | The Netherlands | 2015 | 18 mins
In Catania, Italy, the arrival of boatloads of refugees is almost a daily occurrence. Twelve-year-old Leitizia wants to help. Her father works at a refugee centre, where she spends a lot of her time befriending newcomers. Her philosophy is simple: “They’re not a burden to us. They’re people with a heart and a soul and they all have their talents.” -SC
NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED. OPEN TO YOUTH UNDER 18.
THIS SCREENING IS PART OF THE RATED Y SERIES AND WILL INCLUDE A POST-FILM DISCUSSION.