The Wanted 18

The Wanted 18 is an engaging and captivating film directed by Amer Shomali and Paul Cowan that beautifully interweaves animation, interviews, and extensive archival footage. Released in 2014, the film revolves around the true story of the pacifistic resistance during the First Intifada in the midst of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Named after the group of 18 dairy cows bought from an Israeli kibbutz that becomes symbolic of a wider nonviolent act of rebellion, The Wanted 18 becomes an accidental parable of the Palestinian historical narrative. The town of Beit Sahour, located near Bethlehem in the West Bank, decided to become self-sufficient by producing its dairy products. As part of this endeavor, 18 Holstein cows were procured from an Israeli kibbutz, and their milk became an inspirational symbol of self-reliance and nonviolent resistance for local Palestinians.

The film features notable performances from Alison Darcy, Walaa Eltiti, and Yazeed Faruja. It charts a significant moment in history with humor and humanity at its core. The use of claymation to bring the cows to life, giving them distinct personalities and voices, adds an unexpected yet delightful twist to the narrative that ensures a connection with viewers of all ages and backgrounds.

The Wanted 18 employs a unique cinematic style in its telling of this almost surreal historical event, expressing the absurdity of the situation through the use of claymation, documentary-style footage, interviews, and drawings. This combination helps embody the blend of whimsy, humor, determination, and quiet resistance that characterized this incredible yet true chapter of Palestinian history.

The originality and ingenuity of The Wanted 18 lie in its polarized narrative structure, where the cows become the main protagonists symbolizing the Palestinian struggle for self-sufficiency and nonviolent resistance. Simultaneously, the Israeli military is depicted as baffled and even somewhat comical in their attempt to locate and seize these dairy cows. This unusual way of handling such a sensitive political issue seizes moments of humor amidst struggles and proves to be an effective medium for storytelling.

The Wanted 18 is also inventive in its blend of genres - part documentary, part animated feature, and part political thriller. This diversity allows the film to tap into various aspects of the human experience, eliciting a wide range of emotions from the audience. It does not shy away from the intricacies and complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but presents them in an accessible, engaging, and thought-provoking manner.

The Wanted 18 received recognition for its approach, garnering the Best Documentary award at the Traverse City Film Festival and Abu Dhabi Film Festival. It was also Palestine's official pick for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 88th Academy Awards.

In summary, The Wanted 18 is an absorbing cinematic experience that tells a little-known yet impactful story from the Palestinian resistance movement during the First Intifada. Its clever use of animation, candid interviews, and archival footage offer an engaging and relatable lens onto a complex and contentious historical issue. Far beyond being just a documentary or animated film, The Wanted 18 explores fresh ground in its storytelling approach, offering viewers a poignant tale of defiance, resilience, and indomitable spirit against formidable odds.