Although Resistance Climbing came out early this year, I hadn’t watched it until about 2 months ago.
I found it deeply moving, as this powerful documentary from Andrew Bisharat explores the lives of Palestinians using rock climbing as a much-needed escape from violence and oppression. It reminded me of the importance, especially in journalism, of seeing everyday people just trying to live amidst a bloody conflict.
Soon after my first viewing, Hamas orchestrated a massive terrorist attack on Oct. 7, killing over 1,200 Israelis and precipitating an invasion that has led to the deaths of thousands more innocent Palestinians. Many times since then, I’ve thought of the passionate Palestinian climbers from this award-winning documentary.
I hope they’re alive, though there’s no question their lives have been irrevocably changed. Reel Rock has made the documentary free on their website for a limited time, and I’d call it essential viewing for anyone who wants a window into the lives of innocent people caught up in a conflict they can’t escape.
Watch the trailer above and the entire film on Reel Rock.
Runtime: 37 minutes
