Machssomim

This is a really good film about "hostages" on both sides of the conflict - the soldiers who are forced to maintain the rules and in particular the people who are just trying to live their lives and have to put up with the daily harassment that is created because of the rules....

And by the way, I also like the style of it, no commentary, just "fly on the wall"-filming (minus the single comment made by the cameraman to a soldier) - In my opinion that is real documentary. You get to see what is going on and is allowed to develop your own interpretation.

well done, Shamir

Dozens of checkpoints lie scattered throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip, manned by the Israeli Defence Forces. Thousands of Palestinians pass through them every day, making them one of the major meeting points between both sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many different encounters occur at these checkpoints each and every day, revealing a reality with its own rules and regulations, a reality that has a destructive impact on both societies.

Filmed over two years, 'Checkpoint' depicts the harsh and banal routine of these crossing points and documents the day-to-day situations that form a microcosm of the situation. The cameras film in a pure and non-manipulative manner so that the viewer feels part of the experience of 'checkpoint culture'. The film is an attempt to show the more human side of the situation, and, as with any such depiction, will show all aspects of the human condition - from the 'jobsworth' IDF recruits refusing to allow any variation from their 'orders', from the most obnoxious of members of the border security police at the Bethlehem checkpoint through to the very humane IDF soldier at the Nablus South checkpoint, we are presented with young men who are ultimately responsible for the overseeing of their country's security. Balanced by this is the terrible plight of how the situation affects 'ordinary' Palestinians. An ambulance stopped and searched, ditto a school bus - both will ensure a lot of anger at such depictions - until it is understood that both modes of transport have been used in the past for the carrying of explosives. It does not alter the impact on the Palestinians themselves - the checkpoints are mostly unacceptable. BUt the film at least humanises the process and delves behind some of the headline news.

An even less 'sensational' take on the Islam-American conflict - a film that simply provides a fly on the wall account of various checkpoints on the Palestine-Israel border. Miles from anywhere, people travel frequently, walking long distances, to go to hospitals or to work. The Israeli guards like to 'show them' and routinely harass them by making them stand in the blazing sun, driving rain, or deep snow for many hours (eg up to ten hours) before returning their papers and often sending them home. They are polite, but admit to the cameras that this is how they deal with people - force them to stand in the rain. It could almost be a laid back Palestinian expose of what is happening at the checkpoints except - and here is the double-whammy - it is made by an Israeli, with Israeli funding - and it has been snapped up and promoted by the Israelis in cinemas but also the Palestinians - what is perhaps even more shocking (according to the director at the Edinburgh International Film Festival) it is now being used by the Israeli forces as training material for their guards. The filmmaker has certainly got his message across to a wide audience.

I asked director Yoav Shamir (at the Edinburgh International Film Festival Screening) what his next project would be - he replied that he is making a film about anti-semitism - and it's backlash now the Jews have 'power'. Meeting such an intelligent and politically sensitive Jew makes us all wonder how there are Jews in power in Israel that let their country - with American help and Palestinian reaction - get into such a bl**dy mess.

Yoav Shamir´s film "Checkpoint" shows the everyday life of Palestinian citizens and young Israeli soldiers at the Checkpoints in a land of confusion.

It´s amazing how close Yoav Shamir managed to get to film these two year documentary (2001-2003) and still not interfere with to much with the everyday incidents between those people.

Brilliant. Breathtaking. Important film to show the rest of the world, but most important, show Israelians how these harsh situations at the Checkpoints appear. Hopefully it will lead to better understanding and less problems.

A film about the harsh reality, but without the spectacular explosions.

It will be very interesting to see what Yoav Shamir takes on his mind to film next time.

Because there will be a lot of next time for this talanted director.

Matt Mellow, reporting from the Lydmar Hotel lobby, Stockholm, Sweden