The Shape of the Future

The Shape of the Future is a five part documentary series that portrays what an eventual Palestinian-Israeli peace settlement would look like. Produced by SFCG, the emphasis is prospective which, in itself, makes this a unique documentary effort. The core idea is to examine, in an even-handed way, the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians and to show that agreements are possible that do not threaten the national existence of either party. During the last four years, as violence has escalated, increasing numbers of Israelis and Palestinians have become convinced that negotiated solutions cannot be achieved. Nevertheless, numerous observers - Palestinian, Israeli, and international - still believe that peace agreements are achievable. A frequently heard aphorism is that both sides can see the light at the end of the tunnel; they simply cannot find the tunnel.

The documentary series demonstrates that, while not inevitable, peace is possible and that agreement can be reached on the key issues. The series explores the background, the various positions, and the options for settlement in each of the disputed final status issues. The programs look at the following issues: Jerusalem, settlements and Palestinian refugees. It also explores security, normal life and borders.

The series has been produced in Hebrew, Arabic, and English- language versions. It was aired throughout July 2005, prime time and simultaneously on Israeli (Channel 8), Palestinian TV (Palestine Broadcasting Corporation and the Ma’an Network of Independent TV stations) and the Arabic Satellite Channel Abu Dhabi. The series has already reached hundreds of thousands of people across the Middle East, and it is continuing to reach viewers through distribution of the films and a viewers’ guide/curriculum to Israeli and Palestinian organizations, schools, and universities as well as the production of talk shows that explore the issues further.

View The Shape of the Future documentary website

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