500 Dunam on the Moon 2002
Distributed by Arab Film Distribution, 10035 35th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98125; 206-322-0882
Produced by Rachel Leah Jones
Directed by RLJ Productions and Momento!Paris
VHS, color, 48 min.
College - Adult
Middle Eastern Studies, Human Rights
Date Entered: 05/05/2004
Reviewed by Ronald Saskowski Jr., ASRC Aerospace Corporation, Atlanta, GA500 Dunam on the Moon is a documentary that tells the story of refugees living in a village that is not recognized by the Israeli government. The refugees’ former village is now home to a Jewish artists’ colony, named Ein Hod. The film alternates back and forth between the villages showing the stark contrast of what was and what is. A dunam is a land measurement unit equal to about a ¼ acre.
Rachel Leah Jones does an incredible job of bringing to the screen the story of the “new Ayn Hawd” refugees. Interviews with the villagers relate the almost unbearable circumstances under which they live. The film demonstrates the drive of the displaced people to make the most of the little they have. The struggle for recognition, electricity, water and a road is presented through the eyes of one man and his determination to change things.
The film ends poignantly with a road being paved and the Israeli government officially recognizing the new Ayn Hawd.
In Arabic, Hebrew and French with English subtitles, there are places where the white subtitles are a bit difficult to read due to light background images. The sound quality of the film is balanced, no soft or loud areas. The music is a most appropriate choice for this film.
This film is recommended for college libraries, particularly those with disciplines in Middle Eastern studies.