Crossing Borders tells the story of Aisha Sidawi and Umiya Abu-Ras, two Palestinian Israeli women struggling to achieve equality against the men in their lives; are taking part in a political activity which was until now an “only men” arena; and are wrestling to cross both personal and political boundaries. Their straggles - the personal one at their homes with family members to reach independence and equality and the political one at their Palestinian community in Israel and in the Palestinian authority to defend its weak members – fortify and support each other.
Awards
- Best Documentary Award - In the Spirit of Freedom Category, Jerusalem Film Festival, 2007
- Best Documentary Award - courtesy of The Other Israel Film Festival, Israel, 2007
Festivals
- PSBT Open Frame Int'l Film Festival, New Delhi, India, 2008
- Syracuse International Film Festival, USA, 2008
- The Other Israel Film Festival, NYC, 2007
- The Jerusalem International Film Festival, 2007
Additional info
Gallery
"Men feel most comfortable when their women sit at home and think only about cooking, clothes, how much money they will bring, how much they can get from them,” Aisha Sidawi says as she cooks in her pistachio-green kitchen. “They think that’s all she needs.” These are the opening words of Crossing Borders, winner of two first prizes at the 2007 Jerusalem Film Festival and highest honors at the Other Israel Film Festival in New York, dedicated to portraying the lives of the Arab citizens of Israel."
For the entire review by Karin Tanabe/Moment Magazine, March 2008, check: http://www.momentmag.com/Exclusive/2008/2008-03/200803-FilmWatch.html
Jury’s Statement of the Best Documentary Award in the Spirit of Freedom Category:
“Crossing Borders, directed by Bilal Yusef presents a sensitive look at two women who are at a personal and ideological crossroads in a world of oppression. This oppression is so deep and complex, that it becomes part of the norm. In his film, Yusef exposes the personal situation of the heroines as a representation of the collective and the universal, a situation that is known in every home and every corner, and that refuses to create clear distinctions between those who are good and those who aren't. It is precisely through this apparent restraint, that the film makes so much noise. Crossing Borders is a touching, wise, profound, and gentle film, that leaves the viewer with a deep and arousing sense of familiarity.”
The Members of the In the Spirit of Freedom Jury: Tamar Goldschmidt – Documentarist, Edna Mazia – Playwright, director, and writer, Roni Strier – researcher of poverty, inequality, and multi-culturalism.