Democracy Now! Audio

Nicole Foy, an investigative reporter at ProPublica, reveals alarming findings on ICE's use of banned chokeholds and the detention of U.S. citizens. Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil shares his harrowing experience post-protests and discusses ongoing legal battles. Filmmaker Shireen Diabas introduces her powerful film, All That's Left of You, which explores themes of love and resilience across generations amidst chaos. Her insights into filming during conflict provides a poignant perspective on the human cost of war.

Cherien Dabis, a Palestinian-American filmmaker and star of the Oscar-shortlisted film, All That's Left of You, shares her journey of crafting the film over a decade. She touches on the challenges of filming with Palestinian refugee communities in Cyprus and Jordan. Dabis explores how the narrative delves into trauma across generations, and she reflects on the emotional weight brought by her late co-star, Mohammed Bakri. The discussion highlights cinema’s role in collective healing and urges support for Palestinian films.

Jafar Panahi, an acclaimed Iranian filmmaker known for his courage in creating art under severe censorship, shares insights on his latest film, which reflects Iran's current protests and his personal experiences with imprisonment. He discusses how decades of frustration led to a nationwide uprising, revealing his early passion for cinema despite state censorship. Jamil Jaffer, a press freedom advocate, provides context on the FBI's unsettling raid on a journalist’s home and the broader implications for media integrity in a climate of intimidation and legal challenges.