A documentary, length 22 min (2014). In October 2013, a unique cultural exchange took place in South West England: a week-long visit by fourteen teenagers from Palestine. Talented young dancers, singers and drummers, they are the Hakaya Band from the award-winning Ghirass Cultural Centre in Bethlehem. http://ghirass.org/en/
The film tells the story of that unforgettable week: it is a story of identity and culture, friendship and discovery, dignity and solidarity. Commissioned by the organisers of Hakaya’s visit to England (the community group Bradford on Avon Friends of Palestine), the documentary includes footage of the visits in various locations, passages from Dabka dancing performances, and interviews where the teenagers and their teacher, Ibtisam Alzughayyer, share their impressions of the visit, their feelings about their lives in Palestine, their hopes and their dreams for the future. _ The film is the first production by U-Bur Pictures. It's been successfully premiered at the Osborne Studio Gallery in London http://www.osg.uk.com and has had its first sell-out local screening at the newly-refurbished St Margaret's Hall in Bradford on Avon. http://www.bradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk/stmargaretshall.php It's also been shown in the Auditorium of the Pound Arts Centre (Corsham) as part of an exhibition by the Mish Mash Artists network. http://www.poundarts.org.uk/pound/default.aspx https://www.facebook.com/mishmashartistswiltshire More screenings are planned for 2015: do check our calendar for regular updates