There are nearly 10,000 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli jails today. They see themselves as freedom fighters whereas those who put them behind bars see these "security prisoners" as murderers and dangerous criminals. A large number of them were involved in terrorist attacks and are serving multiple life sentences. Israeli filmmaker Shimon Dotan's bold documentary contains interviews with many of these Palestinians. He also presents a glimpse of their daily lives as they write letters, prepare for biweekly family visits, watch television, and are subjected to random searches of their cells. The prisoners are allowed to practice their prayers each day.

Dotan makes it clear that Israeli authorities have used imprisonment as a means of destabilizing political operations in Palestine: 13 prisoners who were not involved in terrorist or military actions were political candidates in the 2006 elections. These men have used their experience behind bars to read, study, and deepen their commitment to the Palestinian cause.

Members of the two major Palestinian political organizations, Hamas and Fatah, are housed in separate facilities. Dotan lets them speak freely about their responses to the occupation and their own plight. Some of those who masterminded terrorist attacks on Israeli citizens have no remorse; the most chilling testimony comes from a female Hamas prisoner and former Palestinian television news anchor. A young man is asked whether prison would change his mind toward suicide bombings and he replies that if he had children he would gladly have them sacrifice their lives for the liberation of his people.

Hothouse reveals a rare and poignant look at Palestinian political prisoners and the anger and zeal that fuels their lives.