“ 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.
