#Japan #Palestine #Fuchu #TUFS #Foragers

Screening of 'Foragers': A Window into Palestinian Culture

Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS) will host a screening of the Palestinian film 'Foragers' (original title: Foragers) on October 25, 2025. This event is part of the university's ongoing movie project, TUFS Cinema, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of global society, history, and culture through film. The screening is open to the public and supported by various student organizations and academic seminars on campus.

About the Film 'Foragers'

'Foragers' offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of people living under Israeli occupation in Palestine, focusing on those who continue to gather wild herbs despite restrictive laws framed as nature conservation. Through the lens of common activities like harvesting za'atar and ‘akkoub, the documentary challenges viewers to rethink the intricate connections between land, culture, and existence. The film combines light humor with a meditative pace, showcasing the resilience of individuals resisting cultural appropriation while subtly prompting the question of what it means to truly live.

Why Screen This Film at TUFS?

TUFS is committed to the ideals of multilingualism and multicultural coexistence. The university aims to provide a space for critical and empathetic engagement with the world's complex realities. This screening serves as an opportunity to deepen the understanding of international societal issues while allowing attendees to hear the 'silent voices' of marginalized communities through cinematic expression. It exemplifies the role of universities as bridges between academic inquiry and civil society.

Event Details

• - Date: October 25, 2025
• - Start Time: 3:00 PM
• - Venue: Prometheus Hall, Agora Global, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, 3-11-1 Asahicho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8534
• - Entry Fee: Free (Registration required, limited to the first 501 participants)
• - Registration Form: Register Here

Program Schedule:

1. Screening of 'Foragers' (65 minutes)
2. Post-screening Discussion and Talk (50 minutes)
- Panelists include Tohru Endo (from the group 'From Honjo to Palestine'), Hidemitsu Kuroki (Professor, TUFS Institute of Asia-Africa Studies), and Harumi Watanabe (TUFS International Sociology Graduate)
- Moderator: Takanori Oishi (Associate Professor, TUFS Graduate School of Global Studies)

Co-sponsors

• - TUFS Cinema
• - Takanori Oishi Seminar, TUFS International Sociology Department
• - TUFS Palestine Solidarity Group
• - TUFS Field Science Commons (TUFiSCo)

Cooperation

• - From Honjo to Palestine
• - TUFS Multilingual Multicultural Center

Event Homepage

Visit the official page for more information about the event: Event Page

About the Film

The film 'Foragers' captures the essence of a basic and universal human activity: foraging for wild plants to sustain life. Amidst the Israeli occupation, many Palestinians continue this traditional method of gathering food that forms an essential part of their culture. However, this once-traditional practice has now been criminalized under the guise of 'natural conservation'. As wild herbs like za'atar and 'akkoub transform into commercial products grown on farms catering to Israeli consumers, the gathering of these plants becomes fraught with danger—fines and imprisonment loom for those caught in the act.

The film is directed by Jumana Manna, and it expertly weaves together fiction, documentary, and archival footage to confront the ongoing cultural erasure perpetrated by occupiers. This narrative not only sheds light on the complexities of the current conflicts stemming from the historical displacement of Palestinians but also stimulates contemplation about the deeper connections between humanity and the land.

• - Director: Jumana Manna
• - Awards: Official Selection at Vision du Reel: Yonn International Documentary Film Festival
• - Year: 2022
• - Country: Palestine
• - Duration: 65 minutes
• - Languages: Arabic and Hebrew with Japanese and English Subtitles
• - Original Title: Foragers
• - Japanese Subtitle: Mana Sato

University Information

• - University: Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (TUFS)
• - President: Nobuo Haruna
• - Location: 3-11-1 Asahicho, Fuchu, Tokyo, 183-8534
• - Website: TUFS Main Page
• - TUFS Cinema: TUFS Cinema

Join us for an insightful afternoon exploring pressing societal issues through the lens of powerful storytelling!