Women of the Holy Kingdom (Saudi Arabia) 2006.50 min. In Arabic and English w/English subtitles. Produced by Sharmeen Obaid, Sharmeen Obaid Films for Discovery Times Network (sharmeen@sharmeednobaidfilms.com; www.sharmeenobaidfilms.com).

Another interesting subject, mentioned only briefly, is the topic of passive resistance. The women talk about planting gardens, doing laundry outside and lining it to dry, turning their dilemma into jokes, and even the man who delivers bread on bicycle, all under the watchful and hostile eyes of the Israeli military and under the threat and risk of being shot. They insist on presenting themselves in public space, refusing to disappear. Finally, the film is full of contradictions that would be exciting to investigate. For instance, the Palestinians blame the English for creating the Palestinian Curse while they sip and drink English tea; they express total hatred for the Israelis while discussing possible avenues to bring about an acceptable resolution; they also recognized that while their occupation is extremely humiliating and unjust, curfews help to bring them closer to their children and unite their people. What will happen when this unfortunate uniting factor is no longer there? We already see a glimpse of this in the internal unraveling of the Palestinian political system! Mima Lattouf Arizona State University