Kings and Extras: Digging for a Palestinian Image

Description

The film centers on the search for missing archival footage from the PLO Media Unit, which aimed to present a self-determined image of Palestinian life before the materials were lost during the Israeli invasion of Beirut in 1982. As the conflict unfolds, the documentary follows Azza El-Hassan and a group that includes Khadijeh Habashneh Abu Ali and Mousa Maragha on a road trip from Palestine to Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, piecing together the fragmented history of the lost archive. Throughout their journey, the group encounters various individuals who provide conflicting information about the whereabouts of the films. These encounters lead to discussions about memory, identity, and the implications of loss in the context of historical narratives. As they sift through clues and testimonies, the search becomes a reflection on the broader Palestinian experience, revealing both the challenges and the significance of reclaiming a visual heritage.