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In a prescient piece of timing, David Osit’s acclaimed 2020 documentary Mayor, about Musa Hadid, the mayor of Ramallah in the central West Bank, is streaming now in the US presented by POV, the longest-running independent documentary showcase on American public television.
The film follows Hadid, the Christian mayor of Ramallah, during his second term in office as he goes about his daily life. With no narration or commentary, it follows him as he tackles some immediate goals: repave the pavements, attract more tourism, and plan the city's Christmas celebrations.
Mayor since 2012 to a community of some 60,000 people, all of his work is under the shadow of the presence of Israeli troops. This charismatic and compassionate figure offers insight into a complex and challenging city.
His ultimate mission, though, is to end the occupation of Palestine. Rich with detailed observation and a surprising amount of humour, Mayor offers a portrait of dignity amidst the madness and absurdity of endless occupation while posing a question: how do you run a city when you don't have a country?
Director David Osit has said:” I’m thrilled to share Mayor with American audiences on POV, in my opinion one of the most progressive, valuable, and vital nonfiction programs we have in the entire country.
“During production I would describe the film as something like Parks and Recreation set inPalestine, and it says everything about POV that they were eager to hear more. I’m so excited to work with them to bring Mayor Musa and Ramallah to American viewers.”
