CALIFORNIA

It’s Better To Jump

Sponsored by Cinema Libre Studio

Film screening followed by discussion with filmmakers Patrick A. Stewart, Gina M. Angelone, and Mouna B. Stewart, and discussant Gabriel Piterberg, Dept. of History, UCLA. Running time: 75 minutes

The ancient city of Akka, along the northern coast of Israel, is the home to a melting pot of Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Baha’i. For centuries, its surrounding forty-foot sea wall has protected its citizens and repelled invaders. As the Old City endures harsh economic pressures and vast social changes, Palestinian families who have lived here for generations are being pressured to leave.

Despite the daily challenges they face, the city’s youth – sons and da

ughters of fishermen, school teachers, and artists – continue a perilous inter-generational rite of passage expressing individuality and the right to control their destiny: jumping from the high wall into the tempestuous sea below.

IT’S BETTER TO JUMP captures the spirit of Akka’s Arab residents and the leap of faith they make towards self-determination and a better future.