Leiden University Student Repository

Conrad, Anna (2025)

Youth Identity & Non-Violence in Contemporary Palestinian Cinema

Bachelor thesis | International Studies (BA)

The Palestinian youth of the 21st century is more affected by the repercussions of Israeli oppression and absence of optimism than any generation before – with unemployment rising, many see no future in staying. Whilst violent political resistance is ongoing, some youth find creative ways to voice their frustration. For decades, poetry, music and cinema have been outlets for young Palestinians, and in the age of globalization and technology, it has become easier to share their voices with the rest of the world. This thesis looks at two recent Palestinian films, Habibi and The Idol, and discusses their importance in the context of building and fostering collective and individual identities of young people in Palestine. Furthermore, it stresses the significance of peaceful political protest, resistance and non- violence in building a strong foothold for current and future generations of Palestinian youth, and thus giving hope and prospect amid an already arduous struggle.

Palestine

youth

cinema

identity

collective identity

peaceful political protest

non-violence

Author

Conrad, Anna

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

Middle East

Supervisors

Dr. Judith Naeff

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en