There is perhaps not a more pressing time to release a conciliatory documentary on the Gaza conflict. It comes at a time where opinions grow ever more divided, and the middle ground is scarcely trodden. In The Narrow Bridge, there is an attempt at solidarity between both Israelis and Palestinians, without being drawn into the political situation. In this documentary it is not about an in-depth history of the conflict but trying to build a bridge between those who have lost those closest to them from both sides.
Showing at the 2023 UK Jewish Film Festival, director Esther Takac focuses on a group called the ‘Israeli-Palestinian bereaved families.' Through the eyes of the members of the group we are told the stories of those who have suffered at the hands of the conflict. The stories vary wildly from each other, but a particularly harrowing story was told by an Israeli man who lost his young daughter. In a random act of violence, she was killed on her way to School. The incomprehensible nature of the killing is clearly shown through her father, who is inconsolable when retelling the story.
At the beginning of the film, we are shown an incredible scene that sums up the problems surrounding the war. A vigil for those who have died in the Gaza conflict is attended by the families of those who have died. Outside in a fenced off area, both sides are protesting the event. As the families enter to be seated for the vigil, the protesters hurl abuse at them in a shocking lack of respect. Even in an event that is non-political, the seeds of division are deep, highlighting the huge hurdles to peace.
The difficulties of consolation between both sides are shown well through the film. A Palestinian woman who lost her son to the conflict was recommended the group by a friend, but many times she refused as the entrenched hatred of the other side was extremely difficult to overcome. Eventually she decides to attend and initially she is resistant to solidarity with the fellow Israelis in the group. However, after hearing the stories of other Israeli mothers, who also lost their children, it became easier for comradeship and understanding. The documentary effectively shows the power of conversation and listening to overcome hatred and division. It is heart-warming to see Palestinians and Israeli's showing affection with each other which is so rarely seen in media coverage of the area.
The film however loses its effectiveness by the way the story is told to the audience. A clear narrative from start to finish would make the stories told more impactful, instead of a messy mish mash of people's stories told in a non-linear way. It flits back and forth in a hurried unfinished way that leaves the audience struggling to keep up with the messages told by the families. At times it also feels that there is too much repetition, with shots often shown multiple times throughout the film.
The stories of the families and the good intentions that the documentary is trying to achieve carries the film over the line. More effective documentaries would use cinematography to better use than has been in The Narrow Bridge. This year's standout from the 2023 BFI Film Festival, Queendom, is a case in point. It deals with similarly important issues but through clever camera shots, montages, and intimate character studies, it enhances the story being told to something harder hitting and more memorable. In The Narrow Bridge, it is crying out for this type of well-crafted filmmaking to really make it shine. It does however raise important issues of solidarity that are desperately needed in today's ever-increasing factionalism, and this is where the film is most effective.
The Narrow Bridge screened at UK Jewish Film Festival 2023
