The Settlers

“The real achievement here is in going beyond the buzzwords of newscasts and talking points to convey a sense of what’s happening on the ground — and to give it a sense of urgency.” — Variety

The first film of its kind to offer a comprehensive view of the Jewish settlements in the West Bank, The Settlers offers a historical overview, geopolitical study, and intimate look at the history of settlements in the West Bank, compiling an immersive directory of the lives and experiences of the people occupying one of the world’s most contested territories. With impressive access to the multitude of settlers in the region, Dotan conveys a sense of the contested territory; and impresses the complexity of the region. Presenting a nuanced blend of interviews, historical context and archival footage, this documentary moves beyond what is reported in the news, permitting voices and opinions from both sides of the contentious issue. The Settlers premiered at Sundance 2016 and is nominated for Best Documentary at the 2016 Ophir Awards (Israeli Oscars).