“The story of Lyd is the story of Palestine. The film that bears its name confronts the horrors of what is, without losing sight of what could be—a vital exercise in political imagination.” - Arielle Angel, Editor-in-chief of Jewish Currents
“Ambitiously tackling perhaps the most controversial geopolitical issue in the world, and doing so in under 80 minutes, the filmmakers offer a provocative cri de coeur for a free Palestine. A difficult and unflinching film, but also as hopeful as one could be in the current climate.” - POV Magazine
The 5,000 year-old bustling Palestinian town Lyd was taken over when Israel was established in 1948. In this speculative documentary, Jewish American filmmaker Sarah Ema Friedland and Palestinian journalist Rami Younis explore what Lyd once was, and what it is now in the context of the continuing conflict in Gaza. Using never-before-seen archival footage and vivid animation, LYD cuts between fantastical visions and grim realities to provide a troubling history lesson, context for the moment, and a dream of what might have been. Following its Chicago premiere as the Closing Night film of the 23rd Chicago Palestine Film Festival this spring, the provocative and eye-opening LYD returns to the Film Center with select showtimes. Film Center exclusive.
Awards & Nominations
Official selection - Chicago Palestine Film Festival, Middle East Now Festival, Yashwant International Film Festival, Al Ard Film Festival
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu