Slingshot Hip Hop

I saw this film at Sundance and have already recommended it to people as a "must see" film. Slingshot Hip Hop shows a side to the Israel/Palestine debate that we rarely see in the United States, and focuses on the Palestinians who are deeply and tragically affected by the politics of the region. The film highlights the triumph of several groups of Palestinian rappers against the odds--they are the first Arabic rappers, they are working outside of the system, they have no resources whatsoever--and yet they persevere and create really great music that serves to motivate and unify fellow Palestinians. It is the ability to succeed against all odds that is truly inspirational, and a story that Americans should readily embrace since it so closely parallels the "American dream." I'm no expert, but to me the rap is also first rate, with fun beats and good flows. The fact that it also has a political message demonstrates the continuing power of music to express the human condition.

I thought the film ran a tiny bit longer than necessary. Friends I watched with thought it was a bit hard to follow which group was which because the film lacked clear segues. Those are my only criticisms.