Deadly Currents

Deadly Currents - 2003-06-03. Director: Simcha Jacobovici. Canada, 1992, Color, 115 minutes. This shocking documentary may be the most valuable film ever made about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Deadly Currents is a film that goes beyond sensationalist media headlines and pre-packaged images that shape public opinion, addressing the fears, hopes, and concerns of both sides. The film focuses on the Intifada or civil uprising of Palestinians that began in the occupied West Bank in the late 1980s. By utilizing both parties involved and depicting the emotions and tensions present on both sides, Deadly Currents transcends typical films and reports, allowing a wide range of opinions to emerge: Arabs and Jews, peace advocates and fighters, logical university professors and bloodied warriors, all engage in dialogue to present a complete picture of the most volatile region in the contemporary world. However, it cannot be said that this film is merely composed of interviews and rhetoric; rather, the filming crew has gained access to many locations, and Jacobovici's cameras go into the scenes of conflict, frighteningly close to the subjects, taking the viewer along with them. Thus, the audience finds themselves with Israeli army patrols in the midst of Palestinian stone-throwers' demonstrations or alongside Palestinian strike teams pursuing their 'traitor' elements. The film's overall effort meaningfully explains and justifies the rampant violence and social confusion that stands in stark contrast to the prominent display of dance groups, theatrical performances, and protest songs. In one of these scenes, the audience becomes acquainted with the film's main subject: a street artist named 'Juliano Mer', a half-Arab, half-Jewish 'but wholly anarchist' man who embodies all the contradictions of this violent and paradoxical region. Finally, it should be noted that Deadly Currents does not hide behind a mask of 'neutrality' and shows no interest in offering easy solutions. What it aims to do is to foster a genuine and transparent dialogue, break molds, and ultimately convey its most important message to the viewer: Israel must either resolve this issue or submit to destruction.