Honoring the legacy of Palestinian Activist and Actor Juliano Mer Khamis

Part of this week's program will honor the life and legacy of director, actor, and cultural activist Juliano Mer Khamis.

Juliano Mer Khamis was Killed in front of the Freedom Theater in the refugee camp of Jenin, Palestine. His infant son and nanny were in the car with him as a masked killer shot five bullets in his body. Juliano was an accomplished actor, director, film-maker and the strongest advocate of cultural activism. Juliano re-opened the doors of the Freedom Theater in 2006, after the massacre of Jenin––which was perpetrated by the Israeli government––in 2002 had devastated the theater that his mother, Arna Mer had started. Since 2006, the Freedom Theater has helped the children of Jenin cope with the anger, tragedy and trauma of life under occupation. In doing so, it has attracted major support from all over the world including, Europe, US, the Gulf, and The United Nations. Juliano devoted and sacrificed his life to the Palestinian people, never wavering in his opposition to the Israeli occupation of Palestine, or his support for peaceful, non-violent movements such as the Boycott, Investment and sanctions movement. He was a revolutionary thinker and doer, often calling us to understand resistance in its larger historical, cultural and intellectual context. He personified the spirit of resistance and the hope for freedom.  Juliano’s death is grieved by all in the anti-occupation movement as he was one of the brightest light in the struggle.

In addition, SWANA kicks off its annual programming on the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA).  This week and next week we will feature conversations with some of the directors of the 30 feature films, documentaries and shorts that are programmed for the 9th annual IFFLA.

Guest:

Kim Longotto is the Director of the film, Pink Saris, is the director of the documentary film, Pink Saris, which will be featured in the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles on Sunday April 17^th at 3:30pm at the Arclight Cinemas in Hollywood.

About Pink Saris: In rural Uttar Pradesh, when a woman is married at a very young age, abused by her in-laws, or falls in love with a man outside of her caste, often her only hope for justice is Sampat Pal Devi and the Gulabi Gang (aka the Pink Gang). Devi and her group of pink sari-wearing activists boldly confront customs and religion to show women there are choices other than suicide and oppression. Director Kim Longinotto shows how powerful traditions can be when - despite improving the life of others - Sampat has to confront her own family’s abuse. At times humorous and tragic, PINK SARIS demonstrates one person’s ability to make a difference in their community.

Produced and Hosted by Sejal Patel and Lucy Der-Tavitian with news analysis by Hamoud Salhi

of the South and West Asia and North Africa Collective of KPFK/Pacifica