200 Meters

January’24 – Nominated By MA

Nominations

  • Gaza – 0 Votes
  • Farha – 2 Votes
  • 200 Meters*

* Won on wheel decision

Plot Synopsis

“200 Meters” is a 2020 drama film directed by Ameen Nayfeh. The film tells a poignant story set against the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on the physical and emotional distances created by borders and walls. The film’s narrative is deeply rooted in the current socio-political landscape of the region, offering a personal and human perspective on a complex issue.

Plot Synopsis:

The protagonist of “200 Meters,” Mustafa (played by Ali Suliman), is a Palestinian father who lives in the West Bank, while his wife and children live just 200 meters away but on the other side of the Israeli separation wall in Israel. Despite the short physical distance, the wall makes it impossible for them to live together or even visit easily. Mustafa communicates with his family by using a flashlight to signal them from across the barrier each night.

The central conflict of the film arises when Mustafa learns that his son has been in an accident and is in an Israeli hospital. Desperate to be with his son but without a permit to cross the checkpoint legally, he decides to pay smugglers to help him cross the border.

The journey, though just 200 meters, is fraught with danger and becomes a perilous adventure. Mustafa joins a group of people each with their own reasons for needing to cross the border. As they navigate various obstacles, the group faces moments of tension, camaraderie, and even humor, reflecting the shared human experience amidst the political turmoil.

Throughout the journey, Mustafa’s resolve is tested as he encounters both physical and emotional challenges. His desperation to reach his son is a powerful driving force, highlighting the impact of the separation wall on individual lives and families.

Themes:

“200 Meters” is much more than a story about a physical journey; it’s a metaphor for the emotional and societal distances created by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The film explores themes of separation, the resilience of the human spirit, and the universal desire for family and connection. It also provides a nuanced portrayal of the everyday realities for people living on both sides of the wall, moving beyond political rhetoric to focus on personal stories and experiences.

The film has been recognized for its empathetic portrayal of a deeply divided region and its ability to humanize the struggles faced by those living within its borders. It offers a compelling look at the lengths to which people will go for their loved ones, set against a backdrop of one of the most enduring and challenging conflicts of our time.

Average Scores

EnjoyablePlotActingCameraThemesMusicCastingWildcardTotal
Average Score51.481.240.790.450.440.40.139.91
Max Score521.510.50.50.5+/- 0.511.5
Difference00.530.260.210.050.060.10.381.59

Individual Scores

ReviewerEnjoyablePlotActingCameraThemesMusicCastingWildcardTotal
MA51.51.30.80.40.50.40.310.2
YA51.21.250.80.50.350.5-0.19.5
ZA51.61.20.750.50.40.40.19.95
KS51.61.20.80.40.50.30.210