Educational Media Reviews Online

In Paradise Lost, 27 year-old Israeli filmmaker, Ebtisam Mara’ana, examines the history of her Palestinian hometown, Paradise (Fareidis in Arabic), comprised of refugees who fled neighboring villages destroyed in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. She interviews family, villagers, and a long lost childhood hero named Suuad. Eptisam learns about the bitter truths that have shaped the destinies of her beloved people. In the process, she also examines the choices and roles of Muslim women. By the film’s end, she acknowledges her need to look to the future.

Ebtisam goes to England to find Suuad, a PLO activist, who had been banished from Paradise for fighting repressive laws, and now has a PHD in international law. Suuad movingly tells Ebtisam about her past political struggles and her current freedoms. At home, Ebtisam’s mother, a strict Muslim, is preparing for a spiritual journey to Mecca. Ebtisam’s sister is a traditional mother, unlike Ebtisam, who is trying to carve a role for herself. Ebitsam’s father appears depressed, still shattered by his traumatic past, but like his fellow villagers, uninterested in challenging Israel’s authority or following in Suuad’s footsteps.

Better editing and background information would have made Paradise Lost a stronger documentary, but Ebtisam’s portrait of her people provides much insight into the lives of Palestinians. The cinematography, interviews, and musical soundtrack are excellent. This video is recommended for universities with courses in Middle Eastern history, politics, and women’s studies.

Awards
• Best Debut Documentary and Best Cinematography, DocAviv International Film Festival