Promises

Distributed by Cinema Guild, 115 West 30th Street, Suite 800, New York, NY 10001; 212-685-6242Produced by Justine Shapiro and B.Z. GoldbergDirected by Justine Shapiro, B.Z. Goldberg, and Carlos Bolado2001, DVD, color, 106 min. You may have viewed this film on television or other venues. While the focus of the original 2001 film is captivating it is perhaps the 2004 “follow-up” video that is included as an extra component of the DVD which is even more enlightening to the viewer. As the original video tells us at the beginning, it is B.Z. who returns to Jerusalem to learn more about how this part of the world experiences such deep cultural distinctions, tensions and violence. More so, he tells us that his goal is to understand the views and proposed solutions if any that may be voiced by the silenced segment of each society - the children. In short perhaps the greatest victims on both sides of the issue that has come to be known as the Israeli-Palestinian Problem are the children. It is the children that are the bridge to the future; a future that appears to have no peace solution in sight. B.Z. wants the stories and self-accounts of these children. What can they tell us about a world of violence vs a world of peace? The directors take us on a journey with each of these children. We quickly learn that some have been influenced by histories, religion, politics and beliefs in differing ways. Yet, in their midst of identities we see there commonality in terms of their frailties, fears, loves, and desires. Eventually several of these children are brought together where they can meet face to face. They have the opportunity to reach out and see that the other is not simply part of a “by-line” expressed by a third-party as an “idealization” of “the other”. Rather they come to see that each have a very objective and subjective reality that can only be bridged by contact – by open truthful exchanges and dialogue. Unfortunately politics, crime and war (and in this instance the second Intifada which came on the footsteps of this film) create borders that separate children and reinforce stories about “the other” that are often spun by politics in an effort to support patriotism and national identity. The consequence is the loss of face to face contact with the other and no opportunity for deep, truthful dialogue and exchanges. Even more is that third party stories of “the other” are often not accurate depictions and certainly do not focus or even mention “similarities” between the peoples that may foster unity. While the meeting of these youth was a fleeting moment in their lives, the film leaves the viewer contemplative and hopeful that open face to face and truthful dialogue between a new generation may lead to peace and cooperative relationships between the people and ultimately the governments of Israel and Palestine. In this review I leave you to view the 2004 “extra” included in the DVD package. I challenge you to answer the following questions. Are the solutions viable? Are the proposed solutions offered by the children something implementable? Everything must have a beginning before a life course will develop and before an outcome may be measured for success. For educators I urge you to explore the website for the film Promises. You will find information on obtaining the study guide, lesson plans, student worksheets and more. Awards, Partial List 2003 One World Broadcast Trust Award for the Children’s Rights Category, UK 2002 Emmy Awards Best Documentary and Outstanding Background Analysis 2002 The NBR Freedom of Expression Citation National Board of Review 2002 The Michael Landon Award for Community Service to Youth Twenty-Third Annual Young Artist Awards 2001 Jerusalem Film Festival Special Festival Award 2001Munich Film Festival Freedom of Expression Award 2001 Locarno International Film Festival Special Ecumenical Jury Prize 2001 San Francisco International Film Festival Audience Award 2001 Vancouver International Film Festival Audience Award 2001 Hamptons International Film Festival Best Documentary 2001 Sao Paulo International Film Festival Best Documentary Audience Award 2001 Valladolid International Film Festival Best Documentary