Budrus [DVD] [2009]

Filmmaker Julia Bacha offers this thought-provoking look at the unintended consequences of the wall erected to keep the peace between Israel and Palestine in this inspirational documentary. When the citizens of Budrus realized that Israel's Separation Barrier would essentially destroy their remote village, Palestinian community organizer Ayed Morrar made it his mission to fight back by uniting Fatah and Hamas members, as well as Israeli supporters, against the massive fence. Although their success seemed decidedly uncertain at first, their cause would soon get a much-needed boost when Morrar's 15-year-old daughter, Iltezam, rallied women to the cause as well. Incredibly, it was Iltezam's faction that stood their ground on the front lines, fearlessly confronting heavily armed soldiers twice their size. The result was a nonviolent protest that has since had a ripple effect throughout the war-torn Middle East, inspiring people who were once bitter enemies to lay down their weapons and work together for peace.~Jason Buchanan