Christians of Palestine, Life Behind the Wall

A documentary that focuses on how the Israeli Occupation impacts the Palestinian population of today. The story is told by Christian-Palestinians to include the Mayor of Bethlehem, Mrs.Vera Baboun. Their interviews shed light on a different perspective of the conflict that we don't hear about in the United States.

Come and witness the Christmas celebration and hopeful spirit of those living in the walled city of Bethlehem. This film conveys a message of peace, along with a deeper understanding of the issues those living under occupation face.

  • Mary Davis
    Director
  • Mary Davis
    Producer
    Executive Producer
  • Hiyam Tabash
    Producer
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    26 minutes 34 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 15, 2017
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Palestine, State of
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 35 mm
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes
  • Awareness Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    No Screening
    Merit Award of Awareness
Director - Mary Davis
Director Statement

In my early 20's, I discovered my Great Grandfather on my mother’s side, Ayyub Musallam was a former Mayor of Bethlehem. This triggered my interest in the Palestinian/ Israeli Conflict. After serving as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, I went on to college where I completed my Major in Journalism and Media Production.

While attending Cameron University in Oklahoma, I decided to film a documentary on the Christians in Palestine. Part of the idea behind the film was to meet my family and to understand my own heritage. I also watched many films on the conflict, that I saw as portraying the same narrative, the violence of the occupation. I noticed from my own experience and listening to others, that sometimes when there is violence people often miss the message. My idea was to make a documentary interviewing Christian Palestinians on the conflict, without the violence, in order to humanize the Palestinian people and connect their message with an American audience.

I took my first trips to Bethlehem during Ramadan and Christmas 2016. My Aunt, the Producer set up the interviews with prominent Christian figures to include, the Mayor of Bethlehem at the time, Vera Baboun. This was my very first documentary that I myself filmed and put together. I believe with the right platform it could make a difference in the way Americans perceive Palestinians and the overall conflict.