The Center for Constitutional Rights is excited to partner with the Columbia University Center for Palestine Studies on the April 15 online screening of Advocate (2019) and a post-screening Q&A with Center for Constitutional Rights Staff Attorney Diala Shamas and Columbia Law School Professor Katherine Franke.

Since the early 1970s, attorney Lea Tsemel has made a career out of defending Palestinians in Israeli courts: feminists and fundamentalists, non-violent demonstrators, and armed militants. As far as most Israelis are concerned, she defends the indefensible. As far as Palestinians are concerned, she's more than an attorney, she’s an advocate. Advocate follows Tsemel’s caseload in real-time, including the high-profile trial of a 13-year-old boy — her youngest client to date — while also revisiting her landmark cases and reflecting on the political and professional significance of her work, as well as the personal price one pays for assuming the role of “devil’s advocate.” As a Jewish-Israeli woman who has represented political prisoners for nearly 50 years, Tsemel pushes the definition of a human rights defender to its limits.

The event begins at 6:00 pm EST / 3:00 pm PST.

RSVP for the screening. This online screening is first come first 'seated' because there is a maximum number of attendees that can participate. RSVP does not guarantee 'entry' so please be ready to join five minutes before showtime to guarantee attendance. You can find more information, including the Zoom meeting link and instructions on the Eventbrite page. 

This screening is co-presented as part of the Center for Palestine Studies' film series Palestine Cuts and the Center for Constitutional Rights film series, Freedom Flicks.

About Freedom Flicks
At the Center for Constitutional Rights, we believe in the transformative power of art and culture. Freedom Flicks, the Center’s long-running film series, harnesses the power of film to educate, activate, and build community. Freedom Flicks engages audiences across disciplines in stories of struggle and courage that shape our world, past and present. Our programming includes screenings of cutting-edge, socially engaged films followed by a short conversation with storytellers, lawyers, and activists. Join us.