Screenplay Adaptation Project: An Engagement with Palestine
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It started on a rainy evening in May. An idea to adapt a newly published book in 2024 into a screenplay was passed on to me in conversation with a publisher. Thrilled, I turned the pages of my copy avidly. The vividness of the language and significance of the material is too urgently called upon in our audiences to not be made into a modern day film*. I made some presentations, had further conversations with professionals, and now the project of adapting the book into a screenplay has been handed to me.
No, it started before that: when a cousin of mine, someone I love dearly, practically whispered to me, “You’re not doing enough to support Palestine”. It occurred to me that, considering my history with and connections to the West Bank, this was perfectly true.
I share the news, verifiable truth, on social media: Statistics of the Gaza death toll. Graphics which demonstrate the consumption of Palestine to occupied Israeli land, from 1948 until now. Photographic imagery of women and children sheltering in Gaza: a Mother’s hands thrown upwards in despair to Allah. ‘Ceasefire now’ emblazoned in red, green and white. Still, I am sharing these details with the click of an instant share button. Comfortably, in my living area.
I know people and have friends in the West Bank and Israel. I lived in Hebron, the West Bank, making frequent trips to Jerusalem and Bethlehem and other places. I first visited as an English language teacher in 2016, then returned in 2017 to film an MA documentary and run a creative writing workshop. I was inspired by the strength and courage of the Palestinian people, and in particular the communities of women, who despite adversity continue to live their lives with integrity and spirit.
It was indeed time to do something more. The urgency of the situation calls for it. The world has been experiencing an awakening in awareness of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the events of October 7th. In the wake of fresh horror on the international news, I could find myself doing little but message my friends in the West Bank with messages of support. I was at a loss as to what else I could possibly do: Volunteer for an organisation? Go to the Saturday protests, with Palestinian flags lining the central London streets? These pursuits can be honourable, but unsafe in these troubled times. I was given the opportunity to read this book and engage with its material. My response to humanitarian resistance and the topic of Palestine has come in the form of this new work, and I am grateful to the author and publisher for its existence.
My Father first told me about the book while we were sitting on his balcony: a grey, drizzly February evening. I always listen to my Father. His oratory way of speaking can give the impression as though he is passing over wisdom from many previous generations. My Father told me that he had never read a book like it, and that I should read it, for its author is Palestinian.
I contacted someone whom I call my ‘Palestinian sister’, from the family I stayed with in Hebron, the West Bank during the visits, to tell her about the project. Sister said, “I’m curious to hear about your big news concerning work and Palestine. Please do share when you have the time”. I let her know and I am waiting to hear back from her. Sometimes, the pauses in communication between us create a void in the imagination, questions arise; due to geography and circumstances, we cannot know the fine details of each others’ lives. Sister had said, “I appreciate your concern for us all. My brothers and I are managing well, despite the challenges. It means a lot to us to know that you are thinking of us”.
Last night, I learned through social media that one of the Brothers had graduated from University. I knew already that the other, Older Brother’s wife had recently had a baby. I learned the name of his new daughter. In Arabic, I congratulated them, and in English I wrote: “Congratulations to you all, I’m so proud of you”.
* For confidentiality and legal purposes, I cannot reveal the name of the book and author just yet, as the rights are still in the process of being signed.