The Encampments

The documentary does a really good job filling in the details and timeline of the encampments at Columbia and other universities that were lost in the media narrative as the events were unfolding. I learned more about the role Mahmoud Khalil played in the negotiations with Columbia, and about his family's history and what drives him to fight for justice. It was also good to hear more about Jewish students who joined in the encampments, and how their faith calls on them to support the liberation of all people, and the struggle that some of them go through to unlearn what they are raised to believe about Palestinians.

The filmmakers artfully document the events of the Columbia University Encampments in a way that allows the audience to experience what it is like to participate in direct action campaigns -- but without losing sight of the fight for Palestinian lives at the centre of this action. It shows enough footage of the current crisis in Gaza to demonstrate the conditions and the urgency of the situation without becoming disrespectful or insensitive. It also juxtaposes the lived experience of people in the encampments with the aggressive media spin and disconcerting government policies being enacted now in regards to free speech. To round this all out, the filmmakers place this protest into context with Columbia University's history of meaningful protest in regards to the Vietnam War.

Masterful. Thank you.

The students always lead the way. Will we be brave enough to follow their example? We must, or any of us can be the next person to be disappeared by our government for voicing dissent.

The Encampments is one of the most vitally important docs I can remember. Citizens of America (and the world) must watch this to see what our universities, police and government are doing to suppress peaceful cries for justice. The footage that was captured is stunning. This is what actual journalism looks like.

Don't be afraid to speak up. You're not alone. We need everyone in this fight. Please watch this film.

These students, especially Columbia students, are going down in history as heroes. They already are heroes, there is no group of humans I respect more than these youth. This film will give you a glimpse of just how much power Israel has over American politics, it's actually terrifying. If this movie doesn't prove we're under foreign occupation I don't know what does. It also does an excellent job at humanizing not only Palestinians but these beautiful students that the media tried to demonize. Those paying attention will not know to never believe mainstream media again.

The only thing i wished it included was the Columbia boycotts against apartheid South Africa. A must watch!

I hope they continue making this, perhaps developing it into a series. I hope this is on the beginning. This documentary shows stories of anti war, anti genocide, and free speech activists that counter the narrative by politicians and American genocide regime supporters about American college campus students. It is important to go see this film and help these students.

The story follows the encampments at Columbia University and gives insight into the principals students fought for and the levels of difficulty students had shaping new improvements for a change or creating agreements about the good for the school, students and community from Columbia's leadership.