Educational Media Reviews Online

In the north end of the Gaza Strip, thousands of Palestinians grew strawberries as a cash crop. These strawberry exports to Europe went uninterrupted until 2005 when a suicide bomber targeted the narrow pass, Karni Crossing, through which these strawberry harvests were transported to markets. This film examines the efforts to restore this way of life, despite flying bullets and heightened Israeli presence.

First and foremost, there is a persistent veil of uncertainty of availability of road access and general safety. When using the road, the Palestinians must make sure that their identities are known in order to avoid being shot. The Israeli occupation army is stationed throughout the region, hampering travel altogether, having suspicions of arms smuggling. The audience is witness to the ongoing plight of these disenfranchised farmers, hearing constant radio updates of movements of the Israeli army.

This film starts very strongly by clearly laying out the scope of the problem, using animated maps and succinct narrative. The viewer gains a grim perspective on the situation, with interviews and camerawork “in the field.” There are, however, long periods without narration.

This documentary is highly recommended as a work to gain an inside view of the condition of life and commerce in the Gaza Strip.