The Nahr al-Bared refugee camp still has not recovered from the devastating war in 2007 during which it was destroyed. The Lebanese Army has been keeping a tight grip on the camp and the 20,000 displaced Palestinians who have returned so far. The army’s siege seriously hampers the camp’s economic recovery, as access is restricted and the area has been declared a military zone. A recent survey found that the army’s presence and measures are considered a difficulty by 98 per cent of Nahr al-Bared’s business owners. The army meanwhile justifies its presence as necessary for the preservation of the safety of the people.
This 30-minute film documents various consequences of the siege on Nahr al-Bared. Merchants and artisans explain their specific problems and the UNRWA project manager, a project coordinator of the Palestinian-Arab Women’ League, the president of Nahr al-Bared’s merchants’ committee, and a researcher provide their views and thoughts on the issue. The documentary can be downloaded here or watched below.
A-films is an autonomous anarchist film collective. It holds video workshops in the Middle East and Europe and produces short films. Friends across the globe help the collective with the translations of its films and its blog. Members of the collective are extremely grateful for their support. However, additional translators are welcome. Please contact them if you feel like contributing. Contact: <a-films[at]riseup[dot]net>. This film was first brought online on 11 March 2010.