A focus on Palestinian plight

Bringing awareness to the battle for equal rights for Palestinians is the goal of the Palestine Film Festival.

The local festival is being held in conjunction with more than 25 cities across the United States that are putting on a festival like this.

“The purpose is to increase awareness about the situation in Palestine,” said Susan Schuurman, the local festival promoter. “A lot of people in Albuquerque only know what they hear in the news. These films give a glimpse into the daily struggles of Palestinians.”

Schuurman said the Albuquerque festival will show the same five films as other festivals held around the country. She said The American Association for Palestinian Equal Rights is co-sponsoring the event.

“We were able to get a sixth film at the last minute,” she said. “We’re very fortunate to have found a place for its screening.”

All movies will screen at The Filling Station and are free. Schuurman said seats will be given on a first-come, first-served basis because the venue seats only 95.

“We’re hoping for a good turnout because it’s a great issue,” she said.

Schuurman said there also will be tables with information about the situation facing Palestinians and group discussions will be held after the screenings.

The movies are:

TODAY

♦ 7 p.m. — “Salt of This Sea,” a 2008 drama about a woman and her experiences traveling back home.

SATURDAY

♦ 6 p.m. — “Something to Prove,” a 2011 documentary following 15 boys from Gaza as they visit the United States.

♦ 7 p.m. — “With God on Our Side,” a 2010 documentary that looks at what Christian Zionism teaches.

SUNDAY

♦ 2 p.m. — “Arna’s Children,” a 2004 documentary that traces the efforts of director’s Juliano Mer-Khamis Israeli Jewish mother to form a children’s theater and her transformation from a settler to a peace activist.

♦ 6 p.m. — “One Family in Gaza,” a 2011 documentary about one family’s story in Gaza and the courage and resilience of its people.

♦ 7 p.m. — “Private,” a 2004 film about a Palestinian family trapped in a house commandeered by Israeli soldiers.