Was the history of Palestinians systematically documented by early 20th-century filmmakers as a means to safeguard their cultural legacy? Or, as certain Israelis contend, were these filmmakers merely untrained hobbyists utilizing rudimentary equipment within an underdeveloped society?

In Mandel’s documentary, she reveals previously unexplored footage of Palestinian life and history, found among aged VHS tapes. These recordings are just a fraction of the extensive PLO archives confiscated during Israel’s 1982 Lebanon invasion. Mandel attempts to recover these archives from the Israeli military but faces significant resistance and red tape. The film features a variety of divergent perspectives, from Palestinians recounting a thriving film industry in the 1930s to Israeli scholars denying the existence of Palestinian cinema altogether. Ultimately, Mandel is compelled to cease her search – yet her efforts underscore the ongoing contest for control over the narrative of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands.