“Potent viewing as a portrait of a steadfast activist with a controversial cause.” (New York Times)
For over five decades, Jewish-Israeli attorney Lea Tsemel has defended Palestinians in Israeli courts: from feminists to fundamentalists and from nonviolent demonstrators to armed militants (including suicide bombers). To some, Tsemel is a hero, a fearless and tireless warrior for justice. To others, she is “the devil’s advocate,” as she insists that an occupier has no right to tell the occupied how they should resist. Filmmakers Philippe Bellaiche and Rachel Leah Jones skillfully deconstruct this controversial figure who will defend anyone who opposes what she describes as an illegal occupation of Palestine. With multiple film festival nominations and awards, Advocate is a dynamic portrait of a deeply contentious figure.
