Poignant and moving, City of Borders explores the rifts that continue to separate our community and world from peace and coexistence. Filmed in Jerusalem and Ramallah, the documentary investigates the lives of the gay and lesbian community as they grapple with acceptance and learn how to put their fight for respect and equality above the differences that have been separating them for centuries.
Located in the heart of Jerusalem lies the city's only gay bar, Shushan, an underground sanctuary for the much-maligned GLBT community in the city and surrounding areas. The film follows the owner of the bar (the first openly gay city councilman in Jerusalem), and four of his regular patrons: a Palestinian who sneaks through the wall separating the territories to escape his oppressive life in Ramallah; a young Israeli settler who is building a home with his partner; and a lesbian couple—one Israeli and one Palestinian­—who struggle with their differences to build a stronger relationship.
Constantly under threat from powerful conservative Jews, Muslims, and Christians, Shushan brings together and gives voice to a community no longer willing to remain silent. City of Borders gracefully shows the daily struggle for equality that continues around the globe.

Also showing is Shunned (Igal Hecht, Canada/Israel, 2009): In Israel, where it’s not easy being gay or Arab, how do you navigate your life when you’re both? Shunned looks at the day-to-day lives of four homosexual Arabs living across Israel. Honest and straightforward, this film explores the questions that are raised when you are an outsider in your land and your religion.
A university student in Jerusalem lives openly, but far away from his oblivious family. Living openly with his family in Jaffa, a teenager struggles with balancing his sexuality and his heritage. A political activist discusses the rigid social codes that govern the country. And, in Haifa, the leader of a GLBT group fights the notion that homosexuality is a just another immoral trend from the West.
Each of the stories provides a look at the challenges unique to gay Palestinians. Already a minority within a minority, they look for a way to be proud of who they are when everyone surrounding them says they shouldn't be. The Israelis don't like that they're Palestinian, and their families don't like that they're gay, but each of these people are able to find some comfort in the fact that their actions are going to make life easier for future generations.

—Benjamin Kelner (City of Borders)
—Zachary Togami (Shunned)