What Walaa Wants 2018
From director Christy Garland arrives *What Walaa Wants (2018)*, a striking documentary that follows Walaa Khaled Fawzy Tanji's extraordinary journey from a West Bank refugee camp to the Palestinian police academy.
Director: Christy Garland
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is What Walaa Wants (2018) about?
*What Walaa Wants* captures Walaa Khaled Fawzy Tanji's tumultuous journey from life in a West Bank refugee camp to her unlikely path as a Palestinian police recruit. Against family expectations and systemic challenges, Walaa navigates training, personal rebellion, and a strained relationship with her incarcerated mother while chasing independence and purpose.
Who directed What Walaa Wants?
Christy Garland directed *What Walaa Wants*. Known for her intimate documentary style, Garland crafts a deeply personal narrative that unfolds with authenticity and emotional depth.
Who stars in What Walaa Wants?
The film centers on Walaa Khaled Fawzy Tanji, supported by Latifa Abu Draa, Mohammad Tanji, Samia Khaled Tanji, and Noaam Tanji—key figures in Walaa's life who shape her journey.
Is What Walaa Wants (2018) worth watching?
As an unrated but critically celebrated documentary, *What Walaa Wants* offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Palestinian policing alongside a gripping coming-of-age story. Its themes of resilience and self-determination resonate universally, making it a compelling watch for fans of character-driven nonfiction.
How long is What Walaa Wants?
The film runs 89 minutes, delivering a concise yet immersive viewing experience.
🎥 Trailer
About What Walaa Wants (2018) — A Palestinian Cop's Unstoppable Rise from Camp to Academy
From director Christy Garland arrives *What Walaa Wants (2018)*, a striking documentary that follows Walaa Khaled Fawzy Tanji's extraordinary journey from a West Bank refugee camp to the Palestinian police academy. Between ages 15 and 21, Walaa defies expectations—her mother's absence due to imprisonment, societal pressures to marry young, and her own fiery personality all collide as she pursues a uniform and financial independence. Filmed with intimate access, the movie captures the tension between Walaa's rebellious spirit and her dreams, while offering an unprecedented glimpse into the rigorous training grounds where Palestinian officers are shaped. The result is a raw, human story about ambition, identity, and the weight of family in a place where opportunity feels fragile and fleeting.
Garland's camera navigates this coming-of-age tale with a balance of warmth and realism, spotlighting Walaa's complex bond with her mother, her determination to break generational cycles, and the daily hurdles of life in a politically charged environment. Beneath the surface of training drills and bureaucratic challenges, *What Walaa Wants* becomes a universal portrait of youthful perseverance—where the pursuit of a badge is less about power and more about reclaiming control over one's own future.