When Palestinian-Australian filmmaker Sherine Salama learnt of Yasser Arafat’s perilous situation, she travelled to his besieged Ramallah compound with her handheld camera in tow. After months of friendly banter with Arafat’s guards and pleading with his aids to give her access, Salama gets her interview. It turns out to be the last the Fatah leader gives.

The film isn’t overly political or depressing. You forget about suicide bombers and the Israeli army because they’re not mentioned. Instead, Salama shows us a little-known side of Arafat. His eyes twinkle, he grins and constantly makes the peace sign with his fingers. It’s hard not to like him. Whenever someone breaks through the stronghold of guards to touch Arafat, he envelops the straggler in a fatherly embrace and plants kisses on their faces.

During the interview, all Salama’s questions are translated into Arabic. It’s annoying and you know Arafat can manage alone. With a noticeable lip quiver, Arafat speaks (somewhat) openly in English. The rapport between the leader and filmmaker is unmistakable. Arafat asks about Salama’s family in Australia, but not before he makes clear his dream to reclaim Jerusalem. Interestingly, Arafat says reclaiming the city is a Muslim AND Christian responsibility.

Two weeks later, Arafat becomes ill and is flown to France for treatment. But before he gets into the helicopter, he musters up the strength to give one last wave goodbye. The media frenzy in the compound is phenomenal: ‘He’s dead, right?’ ‘Bush gives his condolences’ Arafat dies in hospital. His body is flown back to Ramallah to be with his people, who poignantly swarm the helicopter on its return.