Scottish documentary screens across UK showing reality of life under occupation in Palestine through the lens of marathon running
Freedom to Run is a feature-length documentary following the Palestinian running group Right to Movement and a group from Glasgow as they train for and run both the Palestine and Edinburgh Marathons.
Article Source: Freedom To Run
Last Updated: 8 January 2024 11:01
RTM, co-founders of the Palestine Marathon which takes place in Glasgow's twin city Bethlehem, use running to challenge the restrictions on movement people face in Palestine. A normal marathon route is 41km but due to the restrictions imposed by Israel, it is not possible to move more than 10km without being stopped. To complete the route, runners must run on the same road four times.
The route begins at the Nativity Church, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, and continues past the infamous wall and through Aida and Dheisheh refugee camps.
The film has been made by Glaswegian filmmakers Dr. Cairsti Russell and Stephen Sheriff. It is inspired by Russell’s PhD research at the University of Glasgow into media perceptions of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Russell, a member of the University of Glasgow Media Group and who also features as a runner in the documentary, felt compelled to make the film after being confronted with the reality of life in Palestine when she first visited in 2012.
Cairsti Russell Co-producer/Co-director said: ‘My research shows that many people do not understand the reality of life in Palestine
and find it difficult to relate to. However, since my first trip in 2012 I’ve been a firm believer that if people visit Palestine and see the reality for themselves, they can’t help but be moved by the situation there. This is evidenced in the film by the critical journeys of the Scottish runners when they are in Palestine. I hope the film inspires viewers to question stereotypes surrounding ordinary people in Palestine. I think the success of the screenings so far demonstrates people's willingness and appetite to learn about the
wider context surrounding Israel and Palestine, especially following October 7th.’
Filmed in Scotland and Palestine in 2018 and 2019, Freedom to Run was completed in 2023, and premiered in Glasgow in October. Since then, the film, which has been supported by Glasgow City Council, has been seen by over 600 people at ten sell-out screenings across the UK, in Glasgow, York, Newcastle, and London. These screenings have so far raised over £5000 for Medical Aid for Palestinians and have featured a Q and A with Sheriff and Russell. The events have also included a video message from one of the Palestinian runners, Aseel Baidoun, who works for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Stephen Sheriff, Co-producer/Co-director said: ‘It’s been fascinating hearing from audience members over the last few months - people are shocked at the degree to which Israel restricts the day-to-day lives of Palestinians in the West Bank. From the daily commute to the choice of partner, there is no aspect of life where Palestinians do not have to work around Israeli restrictions. Using marathon running to tell this story has allowed us to reach audiences who might not otherwise be engaged in discussing these issues and communities have formed around screenings, with grassroots groups coming together to stage events. We plan to screen the film across the UK and internationally for the next few months and are open to requests for screenings - we encourage anyone to get in touch.’
Three new dates have now been announced with more planned for the coming months.
Friday 19th January, 7 pm
Portobello Town Hall, 147-149 Portobello High St, Portobello, Edinburgh, EH15 1AF
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com
Sunday 21st January, 4 pm
Glasgow Film Theatre 12 Rose St, Glasgow, G3 6RB
Tickets: www.glasgowfilm.org
Saturday 24th February, 2 pm
Eden Court, Bishops Rd, Inverness, IV3 5SA
Tickets: eden-court.co.uk
Tickets are pay-what-you-can and are linked above, and at the link in the bio of the film's Instagram page - @freedomtorunfilm
Each screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.
More screenings will be announced soon on the Instagram channel.
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