The Encampments Review: A Motivating and Vital Depiction of Unified Efforts

      A group of students, primarily guided by minority voices, established encampments to protest Columbia University's financial associations with companies that promote weapons and technology to support war efforts. Law enforcement was called in to forcibly dismantle the protests. This activism and its participants shed light on issues nationwide and globally, fostering critical thinking and free expression in the name of progress. The year was 1968. More than fifty years later, history seems to be repeating itself, though now met with a more forceful opposition, manipulation of facts, and a deliberate ignorance of the suffering inflicted by those in power.

      A significant document capturing a pivotal moment, The Encampments offers a comprehensive and engaging depiction of the Gaza Solidarity Encampment. Initiated in April 2024, this protest was organized by Columbia University students demanding the university withdraw its investments from U.S. and Israeli arms manufacturers implicated in the deaths of countless Palestinian people. Featuring perspectives from those directly involved in the protests—many of whom now fear for their safety under America’s newly established fascist regime that continues to erode rights—this documentary presents a sobering and provocative examination of the erosion of free speech and the lengths to which those in power will go to silence dissenting voices. Rather than adopting a bleak outlook on ongoing struggles, directors Michael T. Workman and Kei Pritsker find hope and inspiration in the evolving narrative, skillfully portraying the power of collective action. As other universities and organizations draw motivation from this movement, we see how small acts of bravery can create ripple effects globally.

      While much of the media coverage concerning the encampments has come from those who haven't participated, showcasing clips of protesters being labeled as “radical” and “extreme” anti-Semites and Hamas supporters, the documentary serves as an essential corrective. In contrast, it presents organizers instructing newcomers on community guidelines for peaceful protests: to avoid engaging with counter-protesters and refraining from communication with police. Their goal is rooted in internationalism, not division. The encampments themselves act as a vibrant microcosm of society: contributions from alumni and local eateries ensure that everyone is well-nourished between sessions of communal singing and chanting. Updates on the rising death toll in Gaza serve as constant reminders of the importance of their cause. Interspersed with on-the-ground footage, interviews with courageous leaders of the protest—such as Mahmoud Khalil, Sueda Polat, Grant Miner, and Naye Idriss—offer insights into moments of pressure and triumph.

      They clearly outline the facts of the protests, addressing Columbia University's $14 billion endowment, which includes investments in General Electric and Lockheed Martin, corporations that thrive in wartime by producing weaponry and technological tools. The protests demand divestment, a request the university readily fulfilled regarding Russian ties as the situation in Ukraine escalated, yet attracted little attention as it aligned with U.S. geopolitical aims. Fearing backlash from donors, the administration unexpectedly altered all protest regulations, calling for the suspension of involved students, despite previous penalties only consisting of written warnings. This was claimed to be for “physical safety” of the community, despite the fact that all protesters remained in their designated areas peacefully singing.

      With financial interests at play, Columbia's actions become increasingly suspect. An anonymous high-ranking communications department employee reveals being instructed to omit any mention of Palestine in official communications while retaining references to Hamas. When they attempted to expose Palestinian casualties, they were reprimanded and advised not to adopt “a skewed perspective.” One of the most alarming aspects of The Encampments is its revelation of how right-wing conservative rhetoric has infiltrated institutions that should prioritize human betterment and compassion for those in distress globally, especially within a student body that embodies a diverse international demographic.

      Crafted with a compelling, urgent sense of immediacy over its brisk 80 minutes, The Encampments had a truncated festival run and a hastened theatrical release after ICE agents detained Khalil in early March; it represents only the beginning of a story that effectively documents who will emerge on the right side of history. Part of the film's effectiveness lies in its straightforwardness: while it references the past, Workman and Pritsker focus on placing the audience at the heart of the movement while posing crucial questions. Why should a university be invested in weapon manufacturers? Why should financial motivations take precedence over the safety and welfare of students? Why can't mainstream media and those in power distinguish between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism? “Bravery is very contagious,” states Maya Abdallah, a Palestinian student from UCLA inspired by Columbia's actions. Thanks to the courage displayed by the student body, 300 additional encampments emerged across U.S. campuses, resulting in over 3,000 arrests. This documentary underscores the message that if you believe in a cause, make your voice heard—the response could be both surprising and overwhelming.

      The Encampments is currently showing in select theaters and will expand