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Frames of Resistance: Spelman’s Palestinian Film Festival Invites Reflection and Action
Frames of Resistance: Spelman’s Palestinian Film Festival Invites Reflection and Action
Awareness. Familiarity. Reflection. That is what the Spelman College Department of Literature, Media and Writing has been championing all month through the Palestinian Film Festival, "Don’t Scroll Away", held Oct. 4, 11 and 25.
Since 1948, Palestinian lives have been lost and families displaced. In recent years, media coverage has shed light on the current state of the region. However, what happens after one views a post or reads an article? Most hold a moment of space — and then scroll.
The intention behind the film festival? To provide more context before one scrolls away.
“The purpose is to give Spelman students the opportunity to explore ideas of identity, culture and resistance through narrative film, while fostering a deeper understanding of the connections between our struggles as Black Americans in the U.S. and those of Palestinians living under occupation and genocide,” junior festival organizer Michela Miller said.
In light of the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestine, students at Spelman were invited to witness the lived experiences of young Palestinian women. Assistant Professor of Cinema Studies Dr. Rebecca Kumar asked, “What is that life under occupation for Palestinian women?"
Kumar noted that these women are still exploring careers, academia and love, themes not unfamiliar to Spelmanites. The films presented offered a moment for both reflection and resonance.
Miller said the film that impacted her most was Here and Elsewhere, directed by Jean-Luc Godard. The film’s disoriented editing style, she said, conveyed the feeling of displacement.
Beyond that lens, Miller reflected on how the film captured the lives of young, oppressed Palestinian women who still find what she called “pockets of safety and joy in their communities.” She emphasized the parallel between that resilience and the Spelman sisterhood experienced by students in the U.S.
As the current ceasefire in Palestine continues, Dr. Kumar acknowledged the hope it poses. However, she emphasized that a pause in violence does not erase decades of damage. Instead, it creates a necessary opening for dialogue and continued action.
“There’s still much to be done,” Kumar said. “And I hope that this inspires students.”
Before scrolling away, she said, it is vital that Spelman students continue to reflect and create lasting moments of advocacy beyond the college’s gates.
“I do think events like this can spark awareness, conversation and action, especially among students,” she said.
Miller has already begun her journey toward that goal through her involvement in events like "Don’t Scroll Away".
“Last year, I attended the film festival hosted by the English (LMW) and World Languages and Cultures departments, where they screened 'Omar',” Kumar said. “That event sparked my passion for film as a form of education, resistance and solidarity. It showed me how impactful campus spaces can be when they engage with global issues and inspired me to help bring that same energy to 'Don’t Scroll Away'.”
The Palestinian Film Festival emphasized that the pursuit of truth and justice is global but it can still resonate within the gates of Spelman.
Through engaging with stories of Palestinian identity and resilience under occupation, students were given the opportunity to honor Spelman’s roots in social change and critical inquiry. And through the rawness of the films’ lens, the event series asked students to see the parallels and recognize the power of their voices to change the world.
Awareness. Familiarity. Reflection. That is what the Spelman College Department of Literature, Media and Writing has been championing all month through the Palestinian Film Festival, "Don’t Scroll Away", held Oct. 4, 11 and 25.
Since 1948, Palestinian lives have been lost and families displaced. In recent years, media coverage has shed light on the current state of the region. However, what happens after one views a post or reads an article? Most hold a moment of space — and then scroll.
The intention behind the film festival? To provide more context before one scrolls away.
“The purpose is to give Spelman students the opportunity to explore ideas of identity, culture and resistance through narrative film, while fostering a deeper understanding of the connections between our struggles as Black Americans in the U.S. and those of Palestinians living under occupation and genocide,” junior festival organizer Michela Miller said.
In light of the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestine, students at Spelman were invited to witness the lived experiences of young Palestinian women. Assistant Professor of Cinema Studies Dr. Rebecca Kumar asked, “What is that life under occupation for Palestinian women?"
Kumar noted that these women are still exploring careers, academia and love, themes not unfamiliar to Spelmanites. The films presented offered a moment for both reflection and resonance.
Miller said the film that impacted her most was Here and Elsewhere, directed by Jean-Luc Godard. The film’s disoriented editing style, she said, conveyed the feeling of displacement.
Beyond that lens, Miller reflected on how the film captured the lives of young, oppressed Palestinian women who still find what she called “pockets of safety and joy in their communities.” She emphasized the parallel between that resilience and the Spelman sisterhood experienced by students in the U.S.
As the current ceasefire in Palestine continues, Dr. Kumar acknowledged the hope it poses. However, she emphasized that a pause in violence does not erase decades of damage. Instead, it creates a necessary opening for dialogue and continued action.
“There’s still much to be done,” Kumar said. “And I hope that this inspires students.”
Before scrolling away, she said, it is vital that Spelman students continue to reflect and create lasting moments of advocacy beyond the college’s gates.
“I do think events like this can spark awareness, conversation and action, especially among students,” she said.
Miller has already begun her journey toward that goal through her involvement in events like "Don’t Scroll Away".
“Last year, I attended the film festival hosted by the English (LMW) and World Languages and Cultures departments, where they screened 'Omar',” Kumar said. “That event sparked my passion for film as a form of education, resistance and solidarity. It showed me how impactful campus spaces can be when they engage with global issues and inspired me to help bring that same energy to 'Don’t Scroll Away'.”
The Palestinian Film Festival emphasized that the pursuit of truth and justice is global but it can still resonate within the gates of Spelman.
Through engaging with stories of Palestinian identity and resilience under occupation, students were given the opportunity to honor Spelman’s roots in social change and critical inquiry. And through the rawness of the films’ lens, the event series asked students to see the parallels and recognize the power of their voices to change the world.