Rawabi

3-channel video installation about Rawabi, a new Palestinian planned city under construction in the outskirts of Ramallah. This new city provoked land confiscations from the residents of the neighbouring villages and its architecture mimicking Israeli settlements. A triptych presenting different perspectives and unveiling secrets about this process.

Screen #1
DV capture, B&W and colour, no sound, 20min loop.
The making of the city : still cranes, ghost town, ambivalence between construction and destruction. All the images were taken from security cameras filming the building site of Rawabi 24/7.

Screen #2
HD video, colour, with sound, 33min.
Interviews with residents, land owners and farmers from the neighbouring villages Ajul and Attara, telling of the confiscation of their lands, their issues with the PA and what they believe is behind Rawabi. A land lawyer from Ramallah gives insights on land acquisition and the Area A, B and C division of land in the West Bank.

Screen #3
HD video, colour, with sound (music), 6min.
Experimental portrayal of Rawabi’s narrative using found-footage – promotional videos and realtor’s presentation – to show the fabrication of selling a future and a national identity.

Directed by :