Unleashing wool power by Amber Wilkinson
In the heart of Amman, where history meets the relentless pace of modern life, a quiet yet profound story unfolds. Palestinian-Jordanian filmmaker Asmahan Bkerat’s debut documentary, Concrete Land, offers an intimate and unflinching look at the lives of three generations of the Najars—one of the last Afro-Palestinian-Bedouin families navigating the complexities of Jordan’s capital.
The film peels back the layers of this family life, introducing us to their cherished bond, exemplified by their beloved pet sheep, Badrya. But beneath the surface of this loving kinship lies a stark reality: the constant shadow of discrimination, deep-seated prejudice, and the ever-present threat of displacement faced by this community from the wider society.
Bkerat’s cinematic journey began not in the studio, but on the streets as a photographer and social justice advocate. It was witnessing the experiences of the Najars that ignited her passion for filmmaking, leading to a realization that telling their story was the most powerful act available.
She found herself learning how to craft narratives through the lens of cinema. As Bkerat reflects on the creation of Concrete Land, she notes that making the film felt like a natural extension of her advocacy work. She admits that she entered the world of documentaries by coincidence, initially viewing them simply as interviews before discovering their profound potential.
The documentary serves as a vital chronicle, capturing not just family memories but also the enduring struggle for identity and safety within the bustling environment of Amman. It is a powerful testament to resilience, revealing how deeply intertwined personal history is with larger societal conflicts surrounding belonging and land.
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