The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the best-known and least understood conflicts of modern times. To shed light on this ever-evolving situation, Julia Bachas investigates conflict and the power of nonviolent resistance through her documentary Budrus. By examining how a small group of Palestinians managed to protest and ultimately prevent the installation of a security barrier across the occupied territories, we are provided with a progressive and positive model for future resistance. in fact, regarding the plight of the Palestinians in Budrus, the film is by no means one-sided. Julia Bachas largely establishes the audience's assignment of "right and wrong", allowing the story to unfold organically and with a commendable lack of bias. While there is a clear desire to present the Palestinian view of the security barrier conflict, Bachas portrays characters from both sides. It is neither panegyric nor offensive, but it still has a lot to say. Through the eyes and mouths of Budrus' characters we are able to shed light on the conflict and its devastating effects on all those involved. The film's main themes concern the building of a non-violent resistance movement, the unity of Palestinian resistance movements, the involvement of Israeli activists in support of the movement, and the Israeli army trying to facilitate the construction of the security barrier. Another key element of the film is the role of women in the movement, and by extension in the Arab world, and the effectiveness of building a grassroots, grassroots movement for resistance and, ultimately, peace. Budras opens with a description of the small farming community of the same name. The... middle of the card... er. Consequently, this is both good and bad; because an ember can always rekindle the flame, but it can be put out just as easily. As demonstrated by the escalation of violence in Bil'in in the years following Budrus, the question must be raised whether the movement had a long-term effect. However, it also demonstrates that the commitment to nonviolent resistance has found a home in Palestine. Indeed, despite the growing violence on the part of the Israelis, and certainly the response to the same on the part of the Palestinians, the vast majority continue to follow Ayer's path. While a change like this can take years, even decades, it always begins with action and can only continue through a refusal to compromise your efforts or ideals. Budrus has presented a successful model that, if allowed, could begin to heal the wounds of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.