States of UnBelonging

States of UnBelonging is a compelling documentary directed by Lynne Sachs and produced in 2005. The documentary is a profound examination of finding common ground in a Reality plagued by violence, as it beautifully blurs the line between the personal and the political.

At the center of States of UnBelonging is the tragic story of Revital Ohayon, an Israeli filmmaker and mother who was brutally killed near the West Bank along with her two children in 2002. The story of Revital is told through the lens of Lynne Sachs, an American filmmaker and seemingly random Arbouser of Revital's story, who uses the tragic tale as a catalyst for her exploration into the complex territories of war, peace, and personal belonging.

States of UnBelonging is not your routine documentary. It can be defined as a journey, a quest, and an introspective analysis of the repercussions of terrorism, war, and divisions. It serves as a narrative that subtly intertwines the historical, the social, and the personal in a tender and emotive journey towards an understanding we all seek.

An intriguing aspect of the film focuses on Lynne Sachs as she dives deep into the essence of human condition in a place ridden with political and social conflict. The film generates resonance as it navigates through shared feelings of longing and loss, dwelling in places where peace seems unattainable and continuously negotiated.

Viewers embark on an emotional journey with Lynne as the storyteller, who intriguingly unravels her sentiment of disconnection and the feeling of being an outsider. Whilst examining her own feelings, she draws viewers into an empathetic observation of living in a reality of perpetual conflict.

Lynne tactfully uses a combination of international news clips, Revital’s films, home videos, and personal letters to build the narrative, making the audience feel a profound connection with Revital. The innovative storytelling style keeps the audience connected to Revital, feeling her absence, and understanding the implications of her untimely death.

While States of UnBelonging is a film about Revital, it is also about Lynne - it serves as her introspective journey, a reminder of her alienation and her will to belong. Her personal conversations with her Israeli friend, Nir Zats, also drawn into the structure of the film, bring a vivid understanding of the grave realities on a more personal level. Their discussions, some of which take place in front of the camera, add a layer of vulnerability and create a compelling personal narrative.

The cinematography of the film is artistically crafted with the visual narrative being as compelling as the story. It includes striking images of Israeli landscapes ridden with sadness, interspersed with black and white drawings that portray violence in an intriguing yet horrifying way. The movie uses imagery as a tool for conveying emotions and feelings rather than focusing on plain event description. This artful approach allows audiences to experience a unique blend of realism and symbolism, pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling.

Furthermore, the auditory experience of the movie complements the visual and narrative elements to enhance the overall impact of the film on the audience. The soundtrack, mostly ambient and sometimes haunting, fits well with the narrative, further adding to the overall emotional engagement.

In essence, States of UnBelonging is an evocative journey, exploring realms of human feelings ranging from fear, disconnection, longing, and loss amidst a world marked by violence and discord. It invites viewers to look through a lens of empathy while providing a thought-provoking examination of relations, boundaries and the capacity of art to capture the realities of life. The film challenges the conventional understanding of documentary storytelling and leaves viewers with enduring thoughts on humanity, belonging and the harsh realities of political conflicts.