House of Hope

Manar: protagonist & founder House of Hope

"When Marjolein first asked me to make the documentary together, I thought it would be mainly about the school. But after some time, I saw that the film also showed me as a person living with hardships and the mental impact of life in the West Bank. I saw myself tired, emotional, sometimes angry or disconnected. It was not easy to watch. Still, I understood what they wanted to show. They wanted to show courage—the courage of people who keep going despite everything."

Milad: protagonist & founder House of Hope

"We believe that hope is the strength of heroes, and that even the most distant idea can be turned into a dream, and the dream into a reality for all to live in. We will not allow darkness to breach the walls of justice until we reach complete freedom."

House of Hope Vision School

House of Hope delivers an education that heals. Their healing, holistic kindergarten and elementary classrooms deliver trauma-informed education for Palestinian children living under Occupation. Your contribution directly supports the House of Hope Vision School in Al Eizariya, Palestine, dedicated to providing non-violent education for children in a region deeply impacted by conflict. www.houseofhope.vision/give

Marjolein Busstra: director

"Eighteen years ago, I was in Palestine as a photographer. That's where I met Manar. I was impressed by her idealism. She spoke passionately about her dream of creating a better future for Palestinian children and her vision of establishing a unique school. We kept in touch over the years. One day she told me that she had succeeded: she had founded her school. Then I knew I had to follow her on this mission."

Ruby Deelen: producer 100% Film

“At its core, the film follows Manar and Milad, two parents who fight to protect both their own children and their students, nurturing hope under impossible circumstances. We hope that this intimate, observational lens makes the film resonate with Dutch as well as international audiences – because it shows how there are always courageous people who remain true to their ideals, even in the most difficult of times.”

May Jabareen: co-producer Philistine Films

“Palestinians are so much more than what we see in the news or mainstream outlets. At the heart of our fight and struggle is love and hope. Yet we live in a reality filled with violence and distress, making our lives full of contradictions. Showing this reality through the story of Manar and Milad, with the utilized visual approach and rhythm, makes it all sink in and resonate deeply with the viewer.”