u/stammerton

The Palestinian is a 1977 documentary produced and narrated by Vanessa Redgrave after she travelled through the West Bank, Lebanon, and other parts of the region, speaking with Palestinians about their experiences of displacement and occupation.

The film presents interviews, on-the-ground footage, and Redgrave’s narration to explore the Palestinian perspective during a period of intense political conflict. It became widely controversial upon release and remains a notable historical document reflecting the political discourse of its time.

Vanessa Redgrave discussing The Palestinian, the documentary she produced and narrated in 1977 after travelling through the region and speaking with Palestinians.

She explains why she wanted to bring the Palestinian experience to Western audiences, and speaks about Zionism and what she saw as the dispossession and treatment of Palestinians.

Nearly fifty years later, it’s an interesting piece of historical footage to watch in the context of where the conflict is today.

The Palestinian became hugely controversial at the time. Redgrave’s involvement led to protests against her, and the controversy later followed her to the 1978 Academy Awards. (jta.org⁠)