SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival 2019) – What Walaa Wants

SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival 2019) – What Walaa Wants (About Palestine)

Growing up in Balata, a refugee camp in the West Bank, Walaa dreams of being a police officer with the Palestinian National Authority, the entity governing the Palestinian territories. This documentary follows her progress over five years, from ages 15 to 21, as she pursues that goal. She’s got her work cut out for her; rebellious and headstrong, she is often at odds with those around her. She doesn’t adapt easily to the discipline of basic training or the tough love of her commanding officer. At home, a complicated relationship with her mother poses its own challenges (she was 7 when her mother was sent to prison, convicted of helping a would-be suicide bomber). And the outside world in which she lives her daily life is one of uncertainty, repression, and violence. But despite these obstacles, Walaa is tenacious; she is charting her own path and struggling to follow it. With remarkable access to her subject at home, at school, and at work, in interactions with family, friends, and colleagues, filmmaker Christy Garland tells the story of a young woman determined to take charge of her life.

— Justine Barda

Showtimes and locations can be found here: https://www.siff.net/festival/what-walaa-wants

Friday, May 17, 2019 – AMC Pacific Place, 1:30pm

Tuesday, June 4, 2019 – AMC Pacific Place, 9:30pm

Wednesday, June 5, 2019 – SIFF Cinema Uptown, 4pm