Filming in Palestine was fraught with challenges, including the confiscation of his camera equipment. / Photo: AA
The film, set against the backdrop of British street artist Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel in Bethlehem, sought to connect American audiences with the Palestinian experience through an accessible and visually engaging narrative."Prior to Oct. 7, nobody knew anything about Palestine," he said."If they did, it was either as helpless victims or terrorists. But there was no in-between of humanity. No one talked about doctors, lawyers, gym teachers, musicians, just humanity.
“There are some beautifully cinematic documentaries out there, but that wasn’t what I was going for. The best part about Walled Off is that it’s raw and real,” said Arfuso. The project gained additional credibility through support from figures like Roger Waters of Pink Floyd and Kweku Mandela, the grandson of Nelson Mandela.