16 Oct – Commission sponsors film showing as part of Leeds Palestinian Film festival

The Commission has peace and nonviolence as one of its priority areas for reflection and action. The Israel Palestine situation has been a strong interest for a number of years both within the Commission itself and for the Leeds Diocese Pax Christi group with whom we have partnered.

For a third year, the Commission is sponsoring one of the films to be shown as part of the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival – which takes place during the last two weeks of November and into early December.

Last year, of course, the festival was entirely online. However, we were able to have a panel discussion afterwards. We hope to do the same this year.

We will show the film at 6:30pm – so why not think about coming along to this central Leeds venue and combining it with a meal out. It is still to be confirmed, but we are also hoping to have some stalls selling goods made in Palestine-so you could also do some Christmas shopping!

The film that we have chosen, with support from the Leeds Diocese Pax Christi group, is called ‘Objector’. Like all Israeli youth, Atalya is obligated to become a soldier. Unlike most, she questions the practices of her country’s military, and becomes determined to challenge this rite of passage. Despite her family’s political disagreements and personal concerns, she refuses military duty and is imprisoned for her dissent. Her courage moves those around her to reconsider their own moral positions and personal power.  OBJECTOR follows Atalya to prison and beyond, offering a unique window into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from the perspective of a young woman who seeks truth and takes a stand for justice.

The film, directed by Molly Stuart, was released in 2019 and since then has garnered several awards at various film festivals across the world.