The rocket alert sounds. The camera films unrecognized village areas in the Negev Desert, where litter covers the ground. No missile shelters are in sight. This is the reality of the Bedouins in southern Israel, left to fend for themselves when danger from above approaches. The documentary by lawyer Hanan Alsanah, titled "Her War - Hanan Alsanah," is an episode of a trilogy on Makan 33, directed by Yael Kipper and Ronen Zaretsky. It exclusively presents the entrepreneurship of Bedouin women. Over 53 minutes, viewers discover the strength, optimism, and leadership of those who are typically in the shadows, at home with the children. Since October 7, Bedouin women have played a crucial role, particularly in helping needy families. This bold, surprising, inspiring, and well-crafted film challenges the traditions of a society dominated by patriarchy, where the weight of constraints is significant. The film will premiere in Rahat this Thursday, October 31, before heading to Tel Aviv in December, and then to Jerusalem and Haifa.
Hanan was born into a Bedouin family in Lakia. As is customary, she is expected to marry one of her cousins and raise many children. However, Hanan dreams of a successful career and a life completely different from what is being imposed on her. With a rebellious spirit, she decides to go against her family's expectations and chooses the challenging path of emancipation. Through unwavering determination, she becomes a lawyer and a human rights activist, and has managed the Women's Rights Center in the Negev for nearly 12 years.
"I have always refused to have a film made about my story; but when the war came, I thought it was the right time to share my journey, to show that Bedouin women's leadership is possible and valuable. Thanks to the filmmakers who did a fantastic job, we highlighted the entrepreneurship of women that no one talks about. This brings hope in this dark time. People need to understand that Bedouin women face serious issues, but despite this, they mobilize to help those in need," Hanan explains to Itonnews.
Imaged Freedom
Hanan's film is a reflection on itself. We see her driving through the unrecognized villages of the desert to visit Bedouin women, while also recounting her story on camera, without taboos. She shares the challenges she faced, particularly the numerous restrictions that marked her childhood. The alternating shots of Hanan and birds soaring in the sky symbolize the freedom she yearned for as a child. She notably confides that she loved climbing trees because it made her feel powerful and free. "Everything I wanted for Hanan, I now offer to my two daughters," she says.
Acting to change mentalities
On October 7, war caught the people of Israel off guard. The Bedouin community paid a heavy toll, with 7 hostages, 3 of whom are still in Gaza, and about twenty victims. To survive in this new reality, Hanan co-founded, along with the community center in Rahat and the "Desert Stars" organization, the first Arab-Jewish warehouse in Rahat, where thousands of packages have been prepared and sent to families affected by the war in the Negev.
In the film, viewers witness the preparation of these packages by both Jews and Arabs working side by side. It particularly highlights the efforts of women who pack, drive, and deliver the parcels to families living in areas devastated by extreme hardship. "I quickly felt that I wanted to be an integral part of the change in our society," Hanan reveals. The film also addresses the emergency activities carried out by the Bedouin Women's Rights Center, Etakh Foundation, in cooperation with the Al-Nishmayat movement of Bedouin Women Leaders from the Unrecognised Villages, led by Hanan.
"We set up a home psychological support system because it was difficult for women to leave their villages during the war and deal with their problems. I firmly believe that women's leadership and Arab-Jewish cooperation are the only ways to bring about greater justice in the world and to progress toward equality of rights. I sincerely think that women have the ability to make a difference," Hanan asserts.
Many challenges confront these residents, citizens of the State of Israel, who are treated as second-class citizens and neglected by the government. Hanan highlights the consequences of the war on the women of these villages, but especially the struggle they have waged to assert their rights.
Women speak about pain, challenges, fears
In a rather rare occurrence in Arab society, Bedouin women take center stage here and express themselves freely. Charisma and courage define them. They sometimes become overwhelmed with emotion, shedding tears as they recount their struggles. Polygamy, violence, insecurity, poverty, fear of missiles, discrimination, loved ones lost in Gaza, destruction of illegal homes—no topic is left.
During sessions organized by Hanan, women discuss how October 7 changed their lives. They talk about the deterioration of family relationships and the loss of loved ones in the bombings in Gaza, with some having lost their entire families. Others share their fears of missiles and the lack of shelters for protection, feelings of abandonment by the state, insecurity, and the rise in discrimination against Arabs since the war.
"We must seriously address the needs of women in the unrecognized villages of the Negev and listen to their voices. They have the potential to become tomorrow's social and political leaders. Bedouin women need to access high-ranking positions and have the opportunity to be more present in the public sphere," Hanan believes.
"I was surprised to see that many men attended the film screenings; this is completely unusual as it has a feminist slant, and they are not used to seeing the strength and power of women. It will take time for change to happen, but we are on the right path," Hanan concluded.
The film ends with the Iranian attack on October 1, seen from the Negev, where a rain of missiles lit up the sky, plunging the residents (with no place to seek refuge) into chaos and despair.
Then, Hanan appears, in her car, smiling and filled with hope. On the road to renewal...
Caroline Haïat
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