Synopsis: Set in the occupied territory of modern-day Palestine, known as the West Bank, Checkpoint follows 11-year-old Leila, who wakes up before dawn every morning to try to get to school on time.
Her obstacle is the military occupation of her environment, specifically, the notorious checkpoint she must cross every day to get to her school.
Despite Leila’s best efforts to prepare, she cannot control the seemingly endless queue, or the strong possibility she will be randomly denied access to the other side.
About the Filmmaker: Jana Kattan is a recent graduate from the BA Animation Production course at Arts University Bournemouth. Having grown up in London but originally Palestinian, the idea for Checkpoint came from a strong desire, and privilege, to speak on behalf of the voiceless Palestinian community that is slowly being forgotten and erased.
Jana was inspired by her first visit to The West Bank in 2019, reading and research into the daily struggle of modern-day Palestinians living under occupation, and stories from her beloved grandparents and their life as Palestinian refugees. At 22 years old, Checkpoint is Jana’s directorial debut. She hopes to continue to use animation and film to raise awareness about the occupation in Palestine as well as other humanitarian issues.
Screening Details:
Trailer:
Details
| Released: | 2022 |
| Runtime: | 6 Mins |
| Director: | Jana Kattan |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Producer: | Jesse Rist |
| Writer: | Jana Kattan |