The Dupes: A Shout

Written by Iman (Kru’23)

“I feel as if we are going backwards.”

This 1972 film reminded me of a powerful lesson within my journey as a film enthusiast. That a film reflects the culture of its time, and The Dupes is just that, an old living proof of the Palestinian struggle.

The Dupes is structured like a new wave film, as it jumps from one protagonist to another. We see their cases one by one before they inevitably meet to go on that hellish journey for a better life, united as Palestinians. The Dupes have never separated the people within its 106 minutes runtime, no acts that represent a faction, a religion, nor any other group (one can argue it’s one of class, but the film never deliberately made the statement). One thing for sure, it is a pain that all Palestinians share.

It’s eerie to see how similar the situation was back then compared to the present day, considering its source material dates back to 1963 and the film being one of the first Arab pictures to give light to the Palestine predicament. The film is poetic and depressing, as Palestinians have been going through it all the same. Dying alone, in the dark, and perhaps in silence. To know how to shoot is the equivalent of knowing how to pray.

The film practically demands world leaders to do better. Is it not human rights to be treated as a human being? Go to hell with these agendas! Rage! Rage on! For this world is filled with class struggles, dilemmas, and greed. For our three protagonists (plus a driver) are connected by that one powerful circumstance.

Watched at a fundraiser screening by LayarKita and Perpustakaan Bunga di Tembok. From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.