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Prior to this documentary’s release, probably no one outside the West Bank had ever of the small Palestinian village of Budrus. That has changed because of the successful, non-violent demonstrations by a remarkable collaboration between rivals and neighbors.

Located on the western edge of the West Bank near the Green Line that separates it from Israel, Budrus is the heart of an agricultural community best known for its olive trees. Through the passionate words of a prominent Palestinian community organizer, Ayed Morrar, we get a sense of the closeness its citizens share with each other and the land they live on.

They feel like they’re under attack when the Israeli government’s controversial Separation Barrier, a winding series of walls and fences, reaches Budrus and threatens to disconnect the community from 300 acres and 3,000 olive trees. Not willing to stand by and do nothing, Ayed organizes a non-violent demonstration, which grows over time to include women, members of rival political parties Fatah and Hamas, foreigners, and Israeli Jews.

The unlikely combination proves to be a thorn in the side of the Israeli Border Police who are in charge of protecting the construction equipment being used to build the barrier. Ayed’s non-violent strategy is threatened when frustrated younger protestors begin hurling rocks, which draws the ire of the Israeli Border Police. Still, after more than 50 demonstrations, the Israeli government changes its plans and other villages begin to copy the success of Budrus.

Ideally, documentaries are supposed to present a well-balanced portrayal of the subject matter at hand. However, while Budrus is an uplifting story of cooperation to be sure, it paints the Israeli government as an evil empire who rules with a Red Queen, off-with-their-heads mentality. Its soldiers are depicted as propaganda-speaking stormtroopers who are eager to use batons, tear gas, and bullets against civilians. The film only briefly touches upon why the Israeli government wants a barrier: to help prevent suicide bombers from killing its citizens.

It’s encouraging to know that there are now those in the Middle East who are using more peaceful means to make a difference rather than making their point with a bomb or gun. Still, Budrus, with a short running time, is an all-too brief snapshot of an extremely complex situation.

On a letter grade scale from “A” being excellent to “F” for failing, Budrus receives a C+.

Budrus is unrated and has a running time of  70 minutes.

Now showing through December 16 @
Tivoli Cinemas
Westport Manor Square, 4050 Pennsylvania, KCMO
Visit www.tivolikc.com or call 913-383-7756 for more information.

By Michael D. Smith

Indie Film Editor

Michael D. Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in history at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri followed by a Master of Arts in history at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Inspired by such critics as Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, Michael started reviewing films in 1992 for College of the Ozarks's student-run newspaper. After returning to the Kansas City area in 1994, he continued film reviewing by writing for the Cass County Democrat Missourian in Harrisonville.

In 2000 Michael joined Sun Publications in Overland Park, Kansas where he served as its film critic and Arts and Entertainment Editor. During his tenure there, he was also the film critic for the "Fine Arts Radio Hour" and "Celebrity Scoop" radio shows on KXTR. After leaving the Sun in late 2002, he became the A&E writer for the Olathe News in Olathe, Kansas. He also worked as a freelance writer for The Squire in Leawood, Showcase Publishing in Lake Ozark, Missouri and the Kansas City Star.

Michael is currently a member of the Kansas City Film Critics Circle, a professional film critic organization established in 1966 by the late Dr. James Loutzenhiser.

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