House of Hope: New film follows a Waldorf-inspired school in the West Bank | Israel-Palestine conflict News
Documentary “House of Hope” Highlights Resilience in Occupied West Bank
In the documentary “House of Hope,” Manar Wahhab, the film’s central figure, is depicted in a vulnerable moment within the classroom of a school she co-founded in the occupied West Bank. As she breaks down, the cameras capture the emotional gravity of the scene, revealing the challenges faced by those living under occupation.
Director Marjolein Busstra spoke about the decision to continue filming during such intimate moments, stating, “To step into someone’s life with a camera at the moment when they’re really down, it feels a little uncomfortable, but we made the choice together to keep filming during these moments. I wanted the audience to be there with them.”
The film chronicles Wahhab’s journey as she and her husband, Milad Vosgueritchian, established the House of Hope Vision Kindergarten & School in al-Eizariya. The institution is rooted in the Waldorf philosophy, emphasizing non-violent resistance and providing children a safe space to express their emotions amid the trauma of occupation.
“The school protects the children’s dignity in the present moment,” Busstra noted. “It’s more about refusing to let occupation shape their inner world, so they can actually be children and have agency.”
Busstra, in collaboration with a Palestinian crew, dedicated three years to filming Wahhab’s story, making nine trips to the region. Their relationship dates back 18 years, having first met during a film workshop.
While the educational setting serves as the backdrop, Wahhab remains the film’s focal point. Busstra explained her initial intention was to document the school, but she quickly recognized the importance of portraying Wahhab’s inner life. “Hope is a difficult word at the moment, but I have a deep awe for Manar, who keeps creating and teaching even while carrying so much herself,” she said.
Wahhab emphasized the mutual respect and shared values between her and Busstra, which fostered trust during vulnerable moments of filming. “We both believe deeply in education, in children’s creativity and freedom,” Wahhab said. “Those shared values created openness and trust between us.”
The documentary was produced by Think-Film, the same company behind other impactful narratives, including “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” which highlights the tragic death of a child killed in military conflict.
Wahhab noted the complexities of sharing her life through the lens of a camera. “Over those three years, the crew met many versions of Manar,” she said. “I understood that I had to be as authentic as possible, because I was representing not only myself, but also my community, hope, peace and the voice of Palestinians.”
The couple founded the school to provide a nurturing and safe environment in response to the challenges faced by their community. “House of Hope is an idea, a mission, and an energy that we carry wherever we go,” Wahhab stated.
In light of the increasing violence associated with the Israeli occupation, Wahhab considers the Waldorf philosophy essential. “I do not see nonviolence as weakness,” she asserted. “Nonviolence requires courage, awareness, patience and inner work.”
The situation intensified following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered a severe military response from Israeli forces. The team continued to document the evolving realities for Wahhab, Vosgueritchian, and the children at House of Hope. Busstra remarked, “After October 7, everything became heavier. They were like different people, like they lost all hope.”
Wahhab expressed concerns about the ongoing violence, emphasizing the need for basic human rights and dignity. “We are asking for basic human rights, the right to live with dignity and freedom,” she said.
In a broader context, both Busstra and Wahhab sought to challenge oversimplified narratives surrounding the conflict. Busstra hopes viewers will recognize shared humanity in the documentary. “I hope that this stays with people, not as something distant but something they can locate within their own understanding of love in an unsafe world,” she said.
Wahhab urged audiences to reconsider prevailing stereotypes and understand the complexities of Palestinian life. “The news often shows only violence,” she stated. “It doesn’t show the essence of people’s lives. It shows negativity.”
“House of Hope” recently won the best international feature documentary prize at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and was screened at UNESCO in Paris. It is set to be showcased at the Jerusalem Arab Film Festival. Wahhab believes the film’s message is universal, encouraging a deeper understanding and empathy toward the Palestinian experience: “Even though our story is deeply rooted in the West Bank, its message is universal. Our hope is that people everywhere can see our story and take something meaningful from it.”
