Young Freud in Gaza

A portrait of Ayed, a young Palestinian psychologist who treats patients in the Gaza Strip, this documentary by PeÅ Holmquist and Suzanne Khardalian is both a tribute to the dedicated therapist and a telling glimpse of a region desperately in need of the services he provides. Young Freud in Gaza was filmed between 2006 and 2008, when the territory was in turmoil as a result of Hamas' victory in the parliamentary elections, as well as the subsequent struggle that broke out between Hamas' supporters and the Fatah faction, and a crippling Israeli blockade coupled with attacks. Ayed is occasionally shown relaxing at home as best he can with family and friends, but the major focus is on his sessions with patients suffering from ailments connected with Gaza's precarious political situation. Some are militants injured in missions against Israel, others are women who have lost husbands and fathers, and many are children traumatized by the deaths of their siblings and classmates. Ayed treats them all with compassion and concern, using various techniques to break through their resistance and help them achieve a kind of peace. But the work is extremely stressful, especially since antidepressant drugs are in short supply and Ayed has few colleagues to assist him. Offering a moving glimpse of a population suffering from violence and deprivation in a region torn by hatred and strife, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)