Irish documentary ‘Apples of the Golan’ will be released by Wildcard Distributions in the IFI Cinemas, Dublin - with more locations to be announced - from January 16th.
The film tells the story of Majdal Shams, one of five remaining Arab villages in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Cut off from their homeland since the events of the Six Day War, the villagers’ resistance to Israeli occupation is generally peaceful. They only wish to maintain their national identity amidst political uncertainty, border disputes and the Syrian Civil War. They are all connected to - and owe their existence to - the apples which grow all around the village, hence the alluring title.
Irish directors Keith Walsh and Jill Beardsworth spent five years among the people of the village, meeting a wide variety of local people, including the apple growers, the holy men and the freedom fighters .
‘Apples of the Golan’ featured a very small crew with the directors filling a lot of the technical roles. Keith Walsh served as DOP while Jill Beardsworth was the sound recordist – with both directors editing. The film was produced by John Wallace. The score will be composed by Michael Fleming.
Commenting on the cinema release, co-director Jill Beardsworth said: ‘We are delighted that our film is being released at a time when the Golan Heights region is at the centre of political discourse, both nationally and internationally.’
Co-director Keith Walsh added: ‘The film was five years in the making, and it’s great that the story of this little known tribe and this forgotten Israeli occupation is being exposed will now be told. Its story of separation, love, death and war is one that we feel will resonate.’
Co-producers on the film are Arash T.Riahi and Michael Seeber, Associate Producer is Hamad Awidat and Executive Producer is Donal R. Haughey.
‘Apples of the Golan’ is based on original research by Gearóid O Cúinn and is a Twopair Films Production in co-production with Golden Girls Films in association with the Vienna Film Fund with the participation of Bord Scannán na hÉireann / Irish Film Board.
‘Apples of the Golan’ will be released by Wildcard Distribution in the IFI Cinemas, Dublin on Friday 16th January with more locations to be announced.
