Unlocking Their Stories

“Never avert your eyes,” was legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa’s maxim for great art. “Room No. 4”, an ongoing awareness campaign, holds this powerful gaze on real, state-run violence against children.

According to Defense for Children International, arrests of Palestinian children in East Jerusalem are increasing, with 80% of cases involving physical abuse. Named after the room in the main Jerusalem police office where Palestinian children are interrogated, “Room No. 4” invites viewers to enter prisoners’ experiences through 12 online doors. Each door opens onto one type of violence, from night arrests through full body searches and the denial of basic needs. Every two weeks, one door will be unlocked, revealing testimonies from children and their families, plus links to evidence.

“Beyond photos, it is a mission to document what is happening,” says its writer and director Tamer Nafar. Produced by Madaa Silwan Creative Center with War Child, it is co-written and photographed by Ashraf Dowani.

For more info – www.roomno4.org