The Alternativity

The Alternativity brings together the talents of renowned filmmaker Danny Boyle and the elusive street artist Banksy. It chronicles the ambitious project of staging an unconventional nativity play in Bethlehem, a city under Israeli occupation and overshadowed by a massive security wall.

The documentary follows Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle as he embarks on a challenging journey to the occupied Palestinian territories. Accepting an unorthodox request from Banksy, whom he has never met, Boyle sets out to create a spectacular show from scratch in what Banksy describes as “the least Christmassy place on earth”. It captures Boyle’s experiences over six weeks as he navigates the complexities of assembling a cast and crew in a region where movement is severely restricted.

At the heart of the project is Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel, which opened in March 2017 as a satirical statement on the situation of West Bank Palestinians living under military occupation. The hotel, bordering the controversial Israeli separation wall, sardonically boasts of having “the worst view in the world”. It is in the car park of this hotel that the alternative nativity play, dubbed “The Alternativity,” is to be staged.

The film showcases the collaboration between Boyle and Bethlehem-based director and performance artist Riham Isaac. Together, they work to overcome numerous obstacles, from sourcing local children and performers to dealing with the region’s political realities. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at their creative process, highlighting the challenges of telling the story of the most famous journey ever made in a land where movement is heavily restricted.

Throughout, viewers are treated to glimpses of Banksy’s artistic interventions. The anonymous graffiti artist creates two new artworks ahead of the Christmas spectacle, adding layers of meaning to the project. One piece reads “peace on earth” with a twinkling cartoon star doubling as an asterisk, followed by “terms and conditions apply.” The other depicts cherubs attempting to pry apart panels of the concrete wall, creating an illusion of tearing it down.

The Alternativity not only documents the making of a play but also serves as a commentary on the current situation in Bethlehem. It sheds light on the daily lives of Palestinians living under occupation while attempting to bring some festive cheer to the region. It captures the mixed reactions of locals to Banksy’s initiatives, with some praising the increased tourism and awareness, while others express concerns about the spectacle made of their situation.

The documentary culminates in the performance of the nativity play on December 3, 2017. This unconventional retelling of the nativity story, set against the backdrop of modern-day Bethlehem, brings together various artistic groups, including rappers, choirs, and puppeteers, showcasing the talent of Palestinian artists. It captures Boyle’s efforts to fulfill Banksy’s unusual request to make it snow, adding a touch of magic to the proceedings.