Private

Psychological drama about a Palestinian family of seven suddenly confronted with a volatile situation in their home that in many ways reflects the larger ongoing conflict between Palestinians and Israel.

Initially selected as the official entry from Italy for the foreign language film category at the 78th Academy Awards. The film has received the Golden Leopard (best film) award at the 57th Locarno International Film Festival.

A Palestinian family with five children lives outside town, near Israeli settlements. Samia, the wife, wants to leave; so does one teen son. Mohammad, the patriarch, is adamant that he is staying. Two of his adolescent children want to fight. Israeli soldiers burst into the home, taking over the second floor. At night, the family is locked in the living room. We see the effects of the occupation on the children and on the marriage. Through the eyes of Miriam, the older daughter, we watch the soldiers from her hiding place. Chaos and death are close.

Cast:
Mohammed Bakri (Mohammad B.)
Lior Miller (Commander Ofer)
Hend Ayoub (Mariam B.)
Tomer Russo (Private Eial)

Director: Saverio Costanzo
Writer: Camilla Costanzo, Saverio Costanzo
Runtime: 90 min
Genre: Drama, War
Language: Arabic, English, Hebrew
Production Year: 2004

The screening is part of the 2nd Palestine Film Festival