You are here:

The Encampments

The Encampments

Representation Score

9.3/10

Excellent

2025

Director

Michael T Workman, Kei Pritsker

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Encampments stands out by centering underrepresented voices and challenging traditional institutional authority. It excels in its commitment to racial and cultural the way different parts of someone's identity overlap, moving beyond Western-centric views to highlight the Palestinian experience. However, the film’s focus on high-stakes political conflict leaves limited space for exploring LGBTQ+ or disability identities. These categories are not addressed with specific narrative detail. Ultimately, the documentary serves as a powerful tool for social justice, using the Gaza Solidarity Encampment to challenge systemic power dynamics and provide a platform for students of color.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Encampments have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film highlights geopolitical and student-led activism but does not focus on specific LGBTQ+ storylines. While the protest movement includes diverse identities, there are no detailed character arcs centered around LGBTQ+ experiences.

How does The Encampments portray gender?

Good

Women like Sueda Polat and Maya Abdallah are shown as key leaders in the movement, driving the narrative despite intense opposition and pressure from institutions.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Encampments?

Excellent

The film prioritizes the Palestinian experience and voices such as Mahmoud Khalil and Bisan Owda, emphasizing a non-Anglo-Saxon perspective and characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity.

How does The Encampments represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The documentary critiques Western dominance and institutional authority, presenting student organizers as protagonists fighting against state and corporate interests. It emphasizes social justice by focusing on the students' struggle.

Does The Encampments include disability representation?

Fair

There is no specific mention of neurodivergence or physical disabilities. It is unclear whether disability is portrayed with significant narrative importance.

Present on Screen

  • Centers Palestinian voices and non-Anglo-Saxon perspectives.
  • Highlights strong female leadership in high-stakes political roles.
  • Provides a profound critique of Western institutional authority.

Limited or Absent

  • More detail on LGBTQ+ character arcs or queer identities.
  • Better representation of neurodivergent or physically disabled individuals.

Official Synopsis

Students flooded Columbia University’s lawn to create the Gaza Solidarity Encampment in order to pressure their university to divest from the US and Israeli weapons companies. The film follows the central organizers of the encampment as they are thrust into the spotlight, face violent police repression and suspension, congressional pressure, and a media firestorm, all while fighting to attain their goal of divestment at any cost.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.