From AV Club · · 1m 30s
Middle Eastern Voices in New Documentaries
Two documentaries revive Palestinian and Iranian histories through personal voices.
In brief
Two documentaries revive Palestinian and Iranian histories through personal voices. Edward Said: Between Worlds and Rehearsals For A Revolution use archival interviews to connect past conflicts with current struggles. Originally reported by AV Club.
New documentaries revive Palestinian and Iranian histories
Two documentaries use archival interviews to connect past conflicts with current struggles.
Edward Said: Between Worlds features his life stories
The documentary uses Said’s taped voice to trace his journey from birth in a country that doesn’t exist through a diasporic childhood in America.
Said’s personal struggles highlighted
Baird includes Said’s taunting at a New England boarding school and his father’s fears about Zionists erasing Palestinians.
Said’s emotional depth revealed
The audio captures his grief and tiredness from constantly justifying his existence as a Palestinian.
Rehearsals For A Revolution explores Iranian history
The film breaks into five chapters following Ahangarani’s loved ones through Iran’s political shifts.
Ahangarani’s father’s revolutionary hopes
Her father cheered on the Iranian revolution but watched helplessly as his best friend was killed by new leadership.
Ahangarani’s uncle Rashid’s tragic story
Rashid, a college student arrested and tortured, died after his mother destroyed most of his photos.
Ahangarani’s personal connection to Iran’s past
She narrates her escape from Iranian police during protests, sharing her panicked perspective with viewers.
Documentaries address modern relevance
Both films highlight how past conflicts inform current struggles for Palestinians and Iranians.
The essence
Edward Said: Between Worlds and Rehearsals For A Revolution use archival interviews to connect past conflicts with current struggles.
