Like Twenty Impossibles

Like Twenty Impossibles, directed by renowned Palestinian filmmaker Annemarie Jacir and released in 2003, is a short film that efficiently encapsulates the complexities of Palestinian existence under a militarized Israeli occupation. The film strategically weaves together aesthetics and politics to portray an impassioned yet grounded narrative.

Embarking upon a filmmaking journey, the core ensemble of central characters ingeniously played by Tarek Abu Assab, Ashraf Abu Moch, and Reem Abu-Sbaih – ostensibly a crew of filmmakers – transport the viewer into their lived reality. Their aim is to shoot a love scene amidst the ruins of a desolated village – itself a profound reflection of the broader theme of loss and unfulfilled aspirations. Their circumstances, however, are far from ideal, adding an edge of the surreal to the overall narrative.

This daring endeavour initially unfolds as a light-hearted escapade, with the crew engaging in light banter and sharing anecdotal stories. Abu Assab, playing the role of the director, possesses a deferential authority, whereas Abu Moch injects a jovial element into the narrative, offering comic relief at critical junctures. Abu-Sbaih, playing arguably the film’s most potent character, captivates with a profound depth, voicing pent-up frustrations and unspoken narratives that lie at the heart of the Palestinian experience.

Their journey, however, veers into the unpredictable when they encounter an Israeli military checkpoint - a commonplace occurrence in the West Bank. There is an evident shift in mood and narrative tone as the film crew becomes a microcosm of the Palestinian populace, embodying the daily inconvenience, uncertainty, and fear of the people. These scenes provide foreign audiences with a realistic view of the grim situation, laying bare the stark realities of occupation that extend far beyond the romanticized or demonized versions of Israelis and Palestinians.

Like Twenty Impossibles does not shy away from exploring the dynamics of intra-group tension. The suspense and tension this situation infuses into the narrative is used by the director to highlight the spectrum of responses to their experience. The pervasive sense of hardship encourages differences in perspective within the crew, thereby ultimately leading to the revelation of a number of underlying currents within the larger Palestinian cause.

Annemarie Jacir further elevates the narrative by effectively utilizing stylistic techniques. The film makes strategic use of imagery, sound effects, and acute visual insights to add an additional layer of depth to the storyline. Cinematographer Michel Khleifi capably captures the rugged beauty of the West Bank landscapes making use of evocative angles and lighting that serves to create a sense of place vital to the film’s premise.

Like Twenty Impossibles intelligently utilizes the universally understood language of cinema to communicate the everyday struggles and realities of Palestinians. It offers something that much news coverage does not – an intimate, personal picture of life under occupation, a picture seen through the lens of a determined group of indie filmmakers.

Notably, the film's title 'Like Twenty Impossibles' is an idiom, signifying a task deemed too difficult even to consider. In this context, however, it adds a slightly ambiguous but essentially hopeful note to the film's narrative, which otherwise strikes a somber reality check.

The sense of authenticity is one of the film's greatest strengths, no doubt a reflection of Jacir's own experiences as a Palestinian filmmaker. She does an exceptional job in portraying the raw emotion, resilience, and restrained anger that can be seen in each member of the cast.

The film which runs a swift 17 minutes, is powerful, concise, and deeply evocative, capable of stirring emotions and spurring contemplation. It is a must watch for those who appreciate socially conscious cinema which endeavors to offer a nuanced understanding of existing geopolitical conflicts. Like Twenty Impossibles might be a short film, but it's one that leaves a long-lasting impression.