Rana's Wedding

Rana’s Wedding and Private


Today was the last class of the year and we watched perhaps the best films of the semester. I am extremely grateful to have been able to take this course. I learned to break down my own barriers in my judgments of another person, and the dehumanizing effects of Orientalism.
I really enjoyed Rana’s wedding because of its lightheartedness. It was the first film that I felt humanized the life of the everyday middle-eastern girl. The film was lent an authenticity in its production.
The second film we watched was Private. It told the story of a Palestinian family living on the border between Israel and Palestine. The family’s home was occupied by the Israeli army. The film was filled with wonderful performances. The film was haunting in its portrayal of Israeli occupation. The class couldn’t help but draw parallels to the Holocaust. This sickening tale of humanity, shows how quickly creating an “other”, can lead to history’s greatest crimes being recommitted.
After taking this course, I leave with a greater appreciation of the middle east and a greater understanding of the importance of education.