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Settlers (2000)

“The contrast between their lives and entrenched political opinions makes for a gripping dynamic” [Kieron Corless, Time Out]

Tension mounts to the boiling point as Jewish “settlers” encroach upon the formerly exclusive Arab neighbourhoods of Jerusalem. On the other end of the Israeli political spectrum, the state complies with international demands to relinquish territory to the Palestinians.

Such schizophrenic splits only fuel the flames. In the intense heat of these conflicts, the camera captures two unforgettable subjects: Ali and Dov.

Ali is a Palestinian parolee — convicted of planting a bomb during the Six Day War — who leads radical anti-Zionist tours of former “terrorist sites” throughout the land. Dov is an expatriated American Hassidic zealot and talk-radio host, who provides his former Brooklyn neighbours with the news from Hebron, broadcast live via cell phone.

The fragmented Israeli/Palestinian society is mirrored by the emotional unravelling of both men, as their personal demons threaten to destabilize the fragile truce they have made for themselves. While both Ali and Dov hope for peace, reminders of war echo in their voices and in the streets.

© Variety

“First of all the director bumped into Ali, who’d spent 17 years in jail for planting a bomb. While the self-styled terrorist-turned-tour-guide is showing him round, the larger-than-life showman Dov popped up to insinuate himself into the filming process, just at the precise moment when McAllister was looking to counterbalance Ali’s views. Ali and Dov are both fascinating characters in their own ways – the contrast between their lives and entrenched political opinions makes for a gripping dynamic.” – © Keiren Corless, Time Out

See a selection of reviews for Settlers

Settlers. Channel 4 (2000)

Broadcast Premiere – UK, Channel 4, True Stories, April 3, 2000. Director Sean McAllister, Editor Ollie Huddleston, Photography Sean McAllister, Sound Sean McAllister, Producer Sean McAllister, Production Company Tenfoot Films.

Settlers on IMDb