Watch The Wanted 18

The Wanted 18 is a 2014 animated documentary film directed by Amer Shomali and Paul Cowan, which tells the story of a group of activists in Beit Sahour, a small town near Bethlehem, during the first Intifada in Palestine. The film mixes archival footage, animation, and interviews to create a unique and engaging narrative about the importance of community and nonviolent resistance in a time of conflict.

The film tells the true story of how a group of activists in Beit Sahour decided to challenge the Israeli occupation of their town by buying 18 cows and starting to produce their own milk. This seemingly innocuous act of resistance quickly becomes a major headache for the Israeli army, who sees the cows as a potential security threat. As the activists try to keep their cows safe and hidden from the army, they also learn valuable lessons about the power of community and solidarity.

The protagonist of the film is a young woman named Alison, who becomes deeply involved in the cow project with her friends and neighbors. As she navigates the challenges of living under occupation, she also discovers a sense of purpose and empowerment in working with her community to create something positive.

The film is notable for its unique visual style, which blends together hand-drawn animation, stop-motion, and archival footage. The animation is particularly effective in conveying the emotional weight of the story, as it allows the filmmakers to represent complex ideas and emotions in a visual language that is both accessible and moving.

Another strength of the film is its use of interviews with the real-life activists who participated in the cow project. These interviews are often deeply personal and revealing, as the activists reflect on the challenges and successes of their work. Hearing their voices and seeing their faces gives the film a powerful sense of authenticity and immediacy, as the viewer is reminded that these events really happened and that they had real-world consequences.

Overall, The Wanted 18 is a moving and thought-provoking film that provides a fresh and engaging perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through its clever blend of animation, interviews, and archival footage, the film offers a unique and insightful look at the power of community and nonviolent resistance in the face of oppression. It is a must-see film for anyone interested in social justice, human rights, and the power of collective action.

The Wanted 18 is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 59.