Stony Brook University Faculty of Sciences and Humanities

Larissa Sansour, a Palestinian filmmaker and artist, explores the lives of Palestinians under colonization in her thought-provoking short films. This study reinterprets her work as a critique of post-apocalyptic human communities in an era marked by widespread disasters. The Palestinian experience mirrors the lasting legacies of post-colonial geopolitics, raising questions about memory and community amid profound loss. Drawing parallels with the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Sansour’s films transcend geopolitical boundaries, offering cross-cultural explorations of memory and community. Examining Sansour’s four key films, this study analyzes evolving character psychology and its resonance with critical discourses following the Fukushima disaster. Sansour’s cinematic narratives and Japanese social critiques emphasize the importance of embracing diverse memories and perspectives in community building. Building on philosophical works, particularly Edith Wyschogrod’s, this study explores the concept of an unavowable community implicit in Sansour’s films as a potential alternative to traditional community models.

For more details, you can read the full paper HERE.