Singaporean filmmaker makes a case against Israeli oppression of Palestine

Jason Soo, a Singaporean independent filmmaker who documented an attempted voyage to Gaza in 2018 with several other activists, called for collective action from the people of the world against the Israeli oppression on Palestine.

- NISHAT NIZAMI

His film, Al Awda is a firsthand account of Flotilla in 2018 and a part of the 31 Kolkata International Film Festival, competing in the NETPAC Asian Select Award category.

Soo, an eminent filmmaker, was on board with some activists who headed to Gaza in 2018 on a Norwegian boat named Al Awda. During the voyage that lasted about seven days, Soo documented the entire journey in his camera which was later taken away by the Israeli military. The group activists from various parts of the world also included a doctor from Singapore who was known to Soo.

The boat, on reaching about 20 kilometres close to Gaza while it was sailing through the international waters, was taken over by the Israeli forces. The activists along with Soo were detained by the Israeli administration and their belongings were also taken away. While Soo was deported via Thailand after remaining in prison for two days, some of his fellow activists from Flotilla faced longer detention.