When I Saw You

When I Saw You is a poignant 2012 Palestinian film directed by Annemarie Jacir. It features a stirring cast comprising of the committed Mahmoud Asfa, the empathetic Ruba Blal, and the intriguing Saleh Bakri. Beautifully shot and vibrantly directed, this film takes a compassionate yet unflinching look at the experience of displacement and explores the power of hope in an uncertain world.

Set in 1967, in the aftermath of the Six Day War which saw the displacement of thousands of Palestinians, this film focuses on the story of 12-year-old Tarek (played by Mahmoud Asfa) and his mother Ghaydaa (Ruba Blal). Forced to flee their home, they find themselves in the "Harir" refugee camp in Jordan. This story is crafted in a way that highlights the raw humanity behind the dry statistics of displacement and refugees.

Young Tarek is restless, eager to experience life beyond the confined boundaries of the camp. His unfettered curiosity and undying spirit paint a vivid portrayal of childhood innocence amidst dire circumstances. His adventurer spirit is emboldened when he accidentally encounters a group of the fedayeen – the freedom fighters of the time. Captivated by their sense of purpose, Tarek is determined to become part of their mission, hoping that it might lead him back home.

Ruba Blal's performance as Ghaydaa is heart wrenching. She evokes a picture of maternal love in its purest form, showcasing sacrifice, worry, gentleness, and a sort of towering strength in the face of hardship. Her character is desperate to protect Tarek from the harsh realities of their situation, but she must also face her own struggles and challenges as a woman, a refugee, and a human being longing for a place to call home.

Saleh Bakri adds yet another layer to the narrative as Layth. He is presented as both a symbol of and a catalyst in Tarek's increasing desire for freedom - an intriguing man with his own dreams and aspirations who is met with the responsibilities of his position in the fedayeen.

While the setting and the period provide a backdrop of political uncertainty, the narrative remains deeply personal. Rather than getting bogged down in the politics of the time, it chooses to focus on the personal toll of displacement and the resilience of hope. Between the dusty refugee camps and bustling fedayeen bases, the story of When I Saw You unfolds as an intimate exploration of human experience in times of crisis.

The direction from Annemarie Jacir is gracious in its discernment. There's a delicate balance between authenticity and sensitivity, never compromising on either. This is a film that refuses to cast its characters as mere victims of their circumstances; instead, they are portrayed as complex individuals with their own dreams, challenges, and resilience.

In addition to its powerful narrative, When I Saw You employs a visually captivating cinematography that gives clear emphasis on each character's emotion and challenges while embodying the expanse and limitations of their arid surroundings. The film is also buoyed by its affectingly evocative score by Kamran Rastegar, which mirrors the heartfelt sentiments of the protagonists, and the wider refugee experience.

The film offers no easy answers – the political situation of the time is still a topic of contemporary debate. What it does deliver, however, is a poignant exploration of the displacement experience – the constant seeking of belonging, the unyielding hope in despair, and the collision between dreams and harsh realities.

It’s an emotive look at the Palestinian plight, a snapshot of a particular era given genuine weight by incredible performances and well-crafted storytelling. Through its vivid characters and their personal trials, When I Saw You tells us stories against the harsh backdrop of war and displacement, reminding us that in any conflict, it is the individual human experiences that truly resonate.