Haim showed us how the suppression of the Palestinian story must be stopped and how film can play a role in giving voice to this story. These films, produced in awful conditions, at a phenomenal rate and of high quality, are ambassadors of Palestinian culture

Haim's powperpoint is attached to this page below.

The USA vs Al Arian

Haim's talk was followed by The USA vs Al Arian . This film merges the different stories and struggles of th Al Arian family against the backdrop of the persecution of Professor Sami Al Airan, exposing the pointless pursuit of him by the USA and the resulting ruin, from 2003 and on to today, of his family's life together.

There are wonderful bits of irony. When a juror is asked why Professor Al Arian was found not guilty (you seem to be able to cros examine jurors in the States) and what would have made it possible to convict the juror simply says 'Evidence'

There are moments of deep poignancy  - when  Laila, Sami Al Arian's wife - is in dispair and searches for some medicine and finds some pills. Very intimately filmed we can only think this is not the medicine that will help her.

Watch out for the  International release of the film on DVD. Fin out more about Sami's case from here