Screening of 'Around the Wall' raises £400

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On Friday 28th September an audience of around 80 turned out to the Oblong Community Centre in Woodhouse to catch a first glimpse of ‘Around the Wall’. The film documents the trip made by women from Republica, alongside friends from Bristol and Hamburg, to the occupied West Bank in October 2017. The team met and played with a number of women footballers, some new to the game and others with skills they could only dream of. These encounters provided a chance to learn more about life in Palestine generally and particularly about the specific struggles faced by women wishing to play football. The film captured the essence of the trip through a perfect blend of football action, interviews and insights into marginalised communities, all accompanied by beautiful backing music provided by Hassan Erraji.

A lively Q&A followed the showing of the film with lots of questions from the floor. Hamed who is the team’s contact in Palestine, guide for the trip and longstanding friend was in the UK and was able to join this to provide some specific and nuanced insight and answers.

The evening ended with some delicious food cooked by members of the team. This provided the chance for people to stick around and chat, and helped contribute to almost £400 being raised to support the work of Hebron International Resource Network.

Most importantly, the film aimed to fulfil the team’s promise to the Palestinians: “We will share your story”. If you missed the film then there are already three screening organised for the coming months and we hope to see you there:

Thursday 15th November at Leeds Beckett

Saturday 17th November, Wonderful Women of the World Festival, Bradford

4th December at Wharf Chambers, as part of the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival