When the Boys Return

Every week Palestinian children on the West Bank are arrested by the Israeli army. Usually accused of throwing stones. This film starts when prison ends. Mohammed Jamil, Hamze and Mahran have returned after months and years in prison. They are hailed as heroes at their big homecoming party, but getting back to everyday life is more difficult than they could imagine. Soldiers, military raids and demonstrations mark the environment.

In a weekly counselling group, 12 boys share their stories, trying to come to terms with their common traumas. Despite fear and confusion, they also have dreams for the future. Mahran’s first step is to get out of the house and regain trust in people around him, Hamze wants to be the first of his brothers to get a high school diploma and Mohammed Jamil promises to stay out of trouble if he gets his own car.