Local governance, according to Musa Hadid, mayor of the Palestinian city of Ramallah, is the most beautiful branch of politics. It’s certainly, as this compelling fly-on-the-wall documentary attests, the area in which he is able to have the most direct connection with the city and its people.
The very likable Mayor Hadid is a robustly hands-on public servant – we watch him pondering city branding and overseeing the abseiling Santas at the Christmas tree lighting. We also see him dealing with a sewage spill, berating a bus driver for speeding and, in some of the film’s most dramatic moments, witnessing Israeli forces shooting at protesters, and finding himself temporarily besieged in the city hall.
Deft editing and unexpectedly affecting music choices make for an engaging portrait of the kind of impassioned and dedicated politician who seems in short supply right now.
• Mayor is available on Curzon Home Cinema, Dogwoof and iTunes
