Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Meeting Resistance

"Meeting Resistance raises the veil of anonymity surrounding the Iraqi insurgency by meeting face to face with individuals who are passionately engaged in the struggle, and documenting for the very first time, the sentiments experienced and actions taken by a nation's citizens when their homeland is occupied. Voices that have previously not been heard, male and female, speak candidly about their motivations, hopes and goals, revealing a kaleidoscope of human perspectives. Featuring reflective, yet fervent conversations with active insurgents, Meeting Resistance is the missing puzzle piece in understanding the Iraq war. Directed by Steve Connors and Molly Bingham, this daring, eye-opening film provides unique insight into the personal narratives of people involved in the resistance exploding myth after myth about the war in Iraq and the Iraqis who participate. Through its unprecedented access to these clandestine groups, Meeting Resistance focuses the spotlight on the "other side", clarifying why the violence in Iraq continues to this day and providing a deeper understanding of both the toll of occupation and the human condition of resistance." From the Meeting Resistance Official WebSite.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I hadn't heard about this documentary before, and have only watched the trailer via the provided link.

I just wanted to comment on the title. I think its problematic that (it seems) the filmmakers are equalizing the term resistance to violent male-dominated actions (we see men building bombs, carrying guns, speaking of revenge, etc.). This depiction of 'resistance' is really narrow and stereotypical.

I think although these are a part of everyday reality, there are hundreds of forms of non-violent acts of resistance that are repeatedly discredited or ignored. (How much coverage does the international boycott of Israeli Apartheid get?)

We hear time and time again that Arab mothers "send their kids to die" (aka fight/resist), when NO ONE mentions the thousands of mothers who walk their kids to school, navigating checkpoints, dodging gunfire, defying curfews, etc.

I don't mean to pose a dichotomy or suggest that there are good/bad or right/wrong or gendered forms of resistance. People resist in ways they see necessary in their context. However I think that it the West is able to swallow the image of angry, revengeful, threatening defenders of their land much more easily than less sensational acts of resistance that are vital to the struggle against occupation.