The documentary "House of Hope" chronicles Manar Wahhab's efforts to establish and sustain a Waldorf-inspired school for Palestinian children in the occupied West Bank, focusing on providing a sanctuary for emotional expression and resilience.
"House of Hope" Film Captures School's Mission
Directed by Marjolein Busstra, "House of Hope" followed Wahhab for three years, documenting her life and the founding of the Vision Kindergarten & School in al-Eizariya. The film aims to showcase the school's pedagogical approach, which incorporates Waldorf philosophy to foster non-violent resistance and emotional well-being among children facing the challenges of living under occupation.
Busstra collaborated with a Palestinian crew, making nine trips to the West Bank over the course of filming. The director first met Wahhab 18 years prior at a film workshop in the region.
The documentary delves into the personal and professional lives of founders Manar Wahhab and her husband, Milad Vosgueritchian. Busstra expressed a desire to capture Wahhab's inner world, acknowledging the profound difficulty of maintaining hope in the current climate but also expressing deep admiration for Wahhab's persistent work.
Waldorf Philosophy as a Tool for Resilience
Wahhab, a Palestinian woman, co-founded the school with her husband, aiming to provide an educational environment distinct from the daily hardships faced by their community. The school's philosophy prioritises protecting children's dignity and preventing the occupation from defining their internal experiences.
"The school protects the children’s dignity in the present moment. It’s more about refusing to let occupation shape their inner world, so that they can actually be children and have agency," Busstra stated. "It’s in Waldorf philosophy that they make space to express the feelings."
Wahhab views the Waldorf philosophy of non-violence as essential, describing it not as a weakness but as a demanding practice requiring courage, awareness, and patience. She believes in the power of internal peace to influence the wider world.
Authenticity Amidst Ongoing Conflict
The film captured vulnerable moments, with Wahhab agreeing to allow the cameras to roll even during times of distress. She explained this decision was a conscious choice to ensure authenticity, representing not only herself but also her community, hope, and the Palestinian voice.
"Over those three years, the crew met many versions of Manar. Sometimes they arrived, and I was fresh, energetic and cooperative. Other times, they found me exhausted, angry, overwhelmed, or ill," Wahhab told Al Jazeera. "I understood that I had to be as authentic as possible, because I was representing not only myself, but also my community, hope, peace and the voice of Palestinians."
The period following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel's subsequent military response, significantly impacted the lives of Wahhab, Vosgueritchian, and the children. Busstra noted that the atmosphere grew heavier, and the children appeared to have "lost all hope" for a time, despite the school's role as a safe haven.
Scenes in the film depict the pervasive anxiety, such as Wahhab preparing her son for school by ensuring he has a phone charger and spare clothes in case he is detained at a checkpoint for an extended period. Wahhab stated her desire for basic human rights: dignity, freedom, and safety.
"House of Hope" Seeks to Broaden Perspectives
Busstra hopes the documentary encourages audiences to move beyond an "us vs them" framing and to understand the film's themes within their own context of love and safety in a challenging world. Wahhab believes the film offers a crucial counter-narrative to Western perceptions of Palestine, challenging stereotypes and revealing the essence of people's lives beyond negative media portrayals.
The film has received international recognition, winning the best international feature documentary prize at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival in May 2026. It has also been screened at UNESCO in Paris and is scheduled for the Jerusalem Arab Film Festival.
"House of Hope" aims to convey a universal message, hoping viewers worldwide can find meaningful resonance in its story.
