Documentary: “It’s Not a Gun” [Palestine]

“It’s Not a Gun” chronicles the establishment of a music association for the children of Palestine.


Violinist Ramzi Aburedwan walks through a Palestinian refugee camp. His music association, Al Kamandjati, introduces Palestinian children to the art of live music. What does it mean for people to have music while living under military occupation? (Photo courtesy of CPFF).

It’s Not a Gun chronicles the triumphs and travails of al-Kamandjâti (the violinist), a summer music school in Ramallah for Palestinian children. Soaring spirits prevail through the film’s plentiful music, while the school’s founder, violinist Ramzi Aburedwan, and his multi-national cohorts face daily problems ranging from obstruction at checkpoints to efforts by vigilante religious extremists to shut them down.

Read more: Electronic Intifada Ramallah Online