Pomegranates and Myrrh

Kamar and Zaid are newlywed Christian Arabs who have recently taken over the responsibility for the family’s olive farm outside Ramallah. Then Israeli soldiers move in to confiscate the property and Zaid is arrested. Kamar and her parents-in-law have to survive as best they can, against armed settlers ready to take their land.

Director Najwa Najjar’s first feature film presents a group of Palestinians who despite suffering the abuse of the occupying forces still insist on carrying on with a civilised life.

Even during the ordeals, Kamar insists on maintaining her role in a local dance ensemble. It is led by a young instructor who has just returned to Palestine with ambitions to lead the group to a large performance in the city. Kamar is thrown into a dilemma when she develops feelings for her dance teacher, while Zaid is still in prison. bb