WAITING FOR GIRAFFES

NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE The Qalqilya Zoo, which is Palestine’s only zoo and sits at the border with Israel, is also the world’s only zoo in occupied territory. During the last intifada, many of the zoo’s animals—including their beloved giraffe couple—were killed. The zoo’s vet Dr. Sami has set out to return the zoo to its once respectable form by gaining entry into the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA), which will enable the zoo to add giraffes. But how are they going to find enough space in a territory where even humans are being cornered? WAITING FOR GIRAFFES is a behind-the-scenes look at Dr. Sami’s work in bringing his zoo up to the standards of the EAZA, while fighting constant changeover at the zoo, tensions with Israel, and the politics of being in a country where everything is politics. Dr. Sami’s determination is infectious, and his love and fortitude in taking care of the animals and improving the zoo are incredibly admirable. He’s a man facing insurmountable odds in his quest to bring joy to his people and care for his animals. As this film shows us, passion and focus can bring down walls. (In Arabic with subtitles) —T.W.