CITIZEN BISHARA

  • Direction

    Simone Bitton
  • Author

    Simone BITTON
  • Coproduction

    with the support of
    Planète
    and
    Noga Communications
    and
    le CNC
  • Broadcaster

    Canal Horizons

Synopsis

Israeli Arab: is there a more “impossible” notion of citizenship in the today’s world? This film, which began shooting in the final weeks of Binyamin Netanyahu’s “reign” and wrapped with Ariel Sharon’s victory at the last elections, introduces us to the most emblematic of Israel’s Arab citizens: the MP Azmi Bishara. A Ph.D., the brilliant and provocative Bishara fights for the equality of Arab citizens and their recognition as a national minority within the State of Israel. The film follows him in his parliamentary work, his election campaign and records his thoughts on citizenship, national minorities and democracy. In 1999, Bishara was the first Arab citizen to make a bid for the post of Israeli prime minister. At the 2001 elections, he was the main force in the call for boycott which was followed by 85% of Israel’s Arab voters. Never had the fear of peace, intolerance and the rejection of others been so clearly displayed. Bishara’s erudition, energy and his predilection for provocation make him an outstanding guide through the turbulent wings of Israeli political life, and a lucid, caustic observer of events in the Middle East.

  • Available versions

    Couleur - VF Sous titrée, V Anglaise Sous titrée
  • Format

    16/9
  • Support location

    DV Cam
  • Distributor

    France Télévision Distribution
  • Technical team

    Camera and sound : Simone Bitton,
    Editing : Mireille Abramovici
  • Cast

    Original score : Ziad Rahbani, Yaïr Dalal
  • Festival

    International prize of documentary and Méditerranean investigatind
    2003
    Human Rights Watch International Film Festival - Londres et New-york 2002
    FIPA 2002 " Situation de la création Française"
    Argus Human Rights Festival - Denver 2002
    Carthage Film Festival 2002
    Festival International du film d'Amiens 2002
    Sélectionné au Festival International de Film Résistance