Paradise Lost

Arab Israeli filmmaker Ebtisam MARA'ANA grew up in Paradise (Fureidis in Arabic), a small fishing village overlooking the Mediterranean, one of the few Arab villages remaining after the 1948 War. Today, it is a place defined by silence and repression - a village whose men are unemployed, whose women tend to household chores, and where the Islamic Movement builds its strength among disheartened youngsters. As the director attempted to recreate the lost history of her village, she was met with strong resistance from family and friends. However, she also became a role model for many young women who took pride in their Palestinian identity. "Paradise Lost" is a poignant look at issues of national identity and womanhood within traditional Arab village life.