IT’S BETTER TO JUMP

• Length: 73 min
• Directed by Patrick A. Stewart, Gina Angelone, Mouna Stewart
• Writer: Gina Angelone
• Cast: Makram Khoury, Beshara, Doumani, Abdu Matta, Safa Hathou, Nahwa Abdel Al

The ancient city of Akka, along the northern coast of Israel, is the home to a melting pot of Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Bahai. For centuries, its surrounding forty-foot sea wall has protected its citizens and repelled invaders. As the Old City endures harsh economic pressures and vast social changes, Palestinian families who have lived here for generations are being pressured to leave.

Despite the daily challenges they face, the city's youth sons and daughters of fishermen, school teachers, and artists "continue a perilous inter-generational rite of passage expressing individuality and the right to control their destiny: jumping from the high wall into the tempestuous sea below.

IT'S BETTER TO JUMP captures the spirit of Akka's Arab residents and the leap of faith they make towards self-determination and a better future.

• DVD UPC: 881394118720
• CLS Catalog: CLS1187

reviews

"...a work of community advocacy..."
Written by - NY Times

"The directors have chosen eloquent interviewees, and the passionate attachment they feel for their city gives the film heart."
Written by - NY POST

"...undeniably moving and true...Directors Patrick Alexander Stewart, Gina M. Angelone and Mouna B. Stewart have done an impressive job conveying how all these dispiriting changes have affected the city's Palestinian residents..."
Written by - Film Journal International

"This impassioned documentary concerns the economic and cultural clashes occurring in the ancient Israeli city of Akka. It's a strong visual motif"
Written by - Hollywood Reporter

"It's rare to find a film that essentially hands the microphone over to its subjects, and lets them tell a story that seems so sharp and coherent. Such a feat proves the trio's skill and diligence - and leaves a viewer wondering what other projects they have left to dive into"
Written by - USC Annenberg / Neon Tommy

"It's Better to Jump is a brave, thought-provoking and heartfelt work of art that is important enough for everyone to see. The issues presented are heartbreaking but they are real and universal"
Written by - Washington Square News