Mayor is a 2020 American documentary film directed by David Osit. The film is a character-driven study of Musa Hadid, the charismatic and pragmatic mayor of Ramallah, Palestine. The film captures Mayor Hadid's day-to-day life and work as he navigates the complex political and social landscape of Ramallah, a city that has become a hub of Palestinian culture and politics.
Through a blend of observational filmmaking and intimate interviews, the film shows how Mayor Hadid manages to balance the demands of his work with his personal commitments to his family and community. Along the way, the film captures the absurdities and frustrations of life in the occupied territories, as well as the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people.
One of the central themes of the film is the tension between the desire for autonomy and the reality of occupation. The film shows how Mayor Hadid and his colleagues work tirelessly to improve the lives of their constituents, despite the constraints imposed by Israeli occupation. The film also touches on issues such as gender equality, religious coexistence, and the challenges of political leadership in a complex and contested environment.
Overall, Mayor is a moving and insightful documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the realities of life in Palestine. Through the character of Musa Hadid, the film shines a light on the human side of the conflict and highlights the struggle for dignity and self-determination in the face of oppression.