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Programmes Home > CG Film Festival
2006 Common Ground Film Festival
March 6 to 10, 2006 The Common Ground Film Festival was launched in 2001 to showcase films that focus on individuals making a difference in their communities, to show inspiring stories of reconciliation between former enemies, and to promote understanding of the issues and people involved. This year's Festival focuses on films from or about Africa and the Middle East. Last year The United Nations invited the CG film series to be shown in New York. We are gratified that the CG film series has again been invited to return to the UN later this year.
Where Films will be screened at 6:30 pm and will be followed by conversations with guest speakers and audience Q & A.
For more information contact Lynn Veronneau, International Finance Corporation
Schedule of Films
1. In My Country
2. The Shape of the Future - The future status of Jerusalem, Borders, Security
3. The Shape of the Future - Israeli Settlements and Palestinian Refugees
4. Encounter Point
5. Film Shorts:
6. Talk Mogadishu
7. Walk on Water List and Description of Films
1. In My Country "A beautiful and important film about South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It will engage and influence not only South Africans, but people all over the world concerned with the great questions of human reconciliation, forgiveness, and tolerance." -- Nelson Mandela "Making this film was the most emotionally overwhelming experience of my career, dealing on a daily basis with the pain and agony of all those stories from the Apartheid past. This experience has taught me about the possibility of making the world a little better. It's truly wonderful that South Africa, which has suffered so terribly from racism, is now able to teach the world a lesson in healing. My fond hope is that the film, which is dedicated to Nelson Mandela and the oppressed of South Africa, will have captured some measure of this spirit." -- John Boorman, Director
Golden Berlin Bear Nominee - Berlin International Film Festival - 2004
Guests:
2. and 3. The Shape of the Future In July 2005, The Shape of the Future became the first TV series ever simultaneously broadcast on Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab Satellite TV. The series explores - on a very human level - how Israelis and Palestinians might make peace. The emphasis is on building the future, not on reliving the past. The series delves deeply into each of the final status issues that divide Palestinians and Israelis: Security, Jerusalem, Palestinian Refugees, and Settlements. "This documentary series examines the fears and aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians in an even-handed way, and shows how a negotiated agreement could address those fears and aspirations without threatening the national existence of either side. Israel and Egypt were able to accomplish this at Camp David more than 25 years ago, and this series supports the belief that Israelis and Palestinians can do the same." -- Former President Jimmy Carter "Peels away the human layers of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict without using stereotypes and without showing even a drop of blood." -- Akiva Eldar, Ha'aretz "An objective and substantive documentary series that will inspire people to think positively about the importance and possibility of finding a solution to the conflict." -- Za'al Abu Ruktah, Palestinian Broadcast Corporation
Guests:
4. Encounter Point The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is perhaps the most divisive, polarizing and documented political issue of our time. Just Vision moves beyond sensational, dogmatic and canned images to tell the story of an Israeli settler, a convicted Palestinian fighter, a bereaved Israeli mother and a wounded Palestinian ex-prisoner who sacrifice their safety, public standing, communities and homes in order to press for a grassroots movement for nonviolence and peace. Their journeys lead them to the unlikeliest places to stem hatred among their peoples and confront fear within themselves. Just Vision explores what drives these and thousands of other like-minded civilians to overcome anger and grief, and to work for peace. This film is dedicated to the thousands of Israelis and Palestinians who believe that nonviolence is the most effective means to end the conflict. "Sometimes I'm very angry with myself that I didn't protect my child. So what do you do with this pain? Do you take it and look for revenge and keep the whole cycle of violence going, or do you choose another path to prevent further death and further pain to other parents?" -- Robi Damelin, Israeli "Sometimes I'm faced with questions like: 'How can you still do this after all you've been through? You could have great status in your society. You have the right to hate.' But I tell them I don't have to love Israelis to make peace with them." -- Ali Abu Awwad, Palestinian
Guests:
5. Film Shorts:
6. Talk Mogadishu HornAfrik, the first independent TV and radio station in war-ravaged Mogadishu, was created in the face of chaos and devastation. A decade after the disastrous humanitarian intervention by the U.S. in Somalia, HornAfrik was established by three brave Somali-Canadians. Their vision was to forge a path to peace through freedom of expression, impartial news, and dialogue. The station's talk shows are widely popular, providing a unique way for Mogadishu's marginalized residents, including women's groups and human rights advocates, to speak out without being silenced. It is a venture not without danger; HornAfrik has been attacked more than once by angry warlords displeased with the station's content. Despite the perils, the founders of HornAfrik continue their broadcasts, creating a blueprint for the role of the media in times of conflict.
The Silver Chris - Columbus International Film & Video Festival
Guests:
7. Walk on Water This enthralling award-winning film by internationally acclaimed director Eytan Fox explores the motives, strengths, and the humanity of an Israeli Mossad agent. Fox has a brilliant gift for putting people in moral quandaries where their responsibilities run counter to their instincts. The film is a heartfelt examination of the true face of violence, and of its repercussions. It shows that even the worst of us can change - or simply develop a conscience. There isn't much that Walk on Water doesn't take on . . . from global terrorism and Israeli-Palestinian relations to homophobia to the Holocaust.
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For more information about the 2006 Common Ground Film Festival please contact:
Susan Koscis, Communications Director Phone: +1 (202) 777-2215 E-mail: skoscis@sfcg.org |
