| Description |
1 online resource (streaming video file) (56 min. 39 sec.) ; 339917093 bytes |
| Summary |
In October, 2004, Sherine Salama filmed the last interview ever given by Yasser Arafat. A month later he was dead. The interview was the culmination of over a year's filming in the besieged president's compound. Three years ago, after a lifetime spent fighting for a Palestinian state, Yasser Arafat was locked in a final showdown with Israel. At stake was his survival - as a political leader, and also as a historical figure. At the age of 74, in frail health and with Israeli threats of assassination or expulsion hanging over him, his days were numbered.The Last Days of Yasser Arafat begins in September 2003 as the film's director travels to Arafat's ruined compound, and charts her frustrating, often-comical struggle to interview the Palestinian President. As she ingratiates herself with Arafat's aides and minders, lobbies officials and recruits her own Palestinian friends and neighbours, Salama builds up a compelling portrait of daily life in the compound - as well as of the looming health crisis that eventually leads to his death.Just two weeks after her interview, Arafat collapses, and an epic vigil begins outside his compound. Salama records every extraordinary twist and turn of the drama that follows - the conflicting statements from Arafat's inner circle, the frenzied hunger of the world's media, and the confusion and grief of ordinary Palestinians. The Last Days of Yasser Arafat tells the final chapter in the story of one of the most controversial public figures of our time. Intimate and insightful, it captures the turmoil and uncertainty of great historic events as they unfold.PRODUCTION DETAILS:Director/Producer: Sherine Salama |
| Event |
Broadcast 2009-11-09 at 00:10:00 |
| Notes |
Classification: PG |
| Subject |
Arab-Israeli conflict -- Peace.
|
|
Arafat, Yasir, 1929-2004.
|
|
Celebrities -- Interviews.
|
|
Peace-building.
|
|
Jordan.
|
| Form |
Streaming video
|
| Author |
Salama, Sherine, host
|
|
