May 26, 2006
Film Series at NSU Focuses on Reconciliation
The public is invited to the 2006 Search for Common Ground Film Series, June 14-28
FORT LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla.—Nova Southeastern University will host the 2006 Search for Common Ground Film Series, which features inspiring stories of reconciliation between former enemies and showcases people working bravely as agents of nonviolence, on its main campus from June 13-28.
This year's series focuses on Africa and the Middle East. Last year, the United Nations brought the Common Ground Film Series to its headquarters in New York, and will do so again later this year.
The 2006 Common Ground Film Series is brought to South Florida by the Department of Conflict Analysis and Resolution at NSU’s Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Films will be screened in the Knight Auditorium of the Carl DeSantis Building on NSU’s main campus. Screenings are free and open to the public.
Films in the series take a balanced approach in telling stories which catalyze thought and dialogue about why people think, feel, and act as they do. They stress the commonalities among people, while not ignoring the differences that divide them. Search for Common Ground believes that the power of film can be used to develop greater understanding, tolerance, and coexistence, and can have the impact of either defusing conflict or inflaming it.
“Common Ground Films present powerful and captivating stories about humans engaged in conflict around the world,” said Alexia Georgakopoulos, Ph.D., assistant professor of conflict resolution and communication. “The films allow us to see and feel the destructive nature of conflict. But they also show us that with despair of conflict there can be hope--for change and for a better future.”
Some highlights of the series include: In My Country (Sony Classics), a film about South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission; The Shape of the Future, a documentary about the first TV series ever simultaneously broadcast on Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab Satellite TV; Walk on Water, an award-winning film by which explores the motives, strengths, and humanity of an Israeli Mossad agent; and Talk Mogadishu, a documentary about the first independent TV and radio station in war-ravaged Mogadishu.
All films will be screened at 6 p.m. in the Carl DeSantis Building on Nova Southeastern University’s main campus, 3301 College Avenue, Davie.
From Interstate 95 or Florida’s Turnpike, Exit at I-595, proceed west to University Drive exit. Turn left (south) onto University Drive. Proceed approximately 1 ½ miles to SW 30 Street/Abe Fischer Blvd., turn left (east). NSU's main campus will be on the right side.
June 14 – Walk on Water
2004. 104 minutes
Director: Eytan Fox
This enthralling award-winning film which explores the motives, strengths, and the humanity of an Israeli Mossad agent. 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.
June 15 – Film Shorts
West Bank Story (Common Ground Student Film Competition Winner)
2005. 22 minutes
Director: Ari Sandel
No stereotype is left unturned as "West Side Story" comes to the West Bank in this musical comedy. Rival restaurants Humus Hut and Kosher King are busy cooking up Middle Eastern delights and hateful songs about each other, while a forbidden love affair unfolds between a beautiful Humus Hut Palestinian cashier and an Israeli checkpoint soldier. Can the couple's love withstand a 2000-year-old conflict and their families' desire to control the future of the chic pea in the Middle East?
Improbable Pairs
Producer, Writer, and Director: Paul Andrews
1999. 17 minutes
We know all too well what war looks like, but rarely do we see images of what peace looks like. In these short film pieces, we see people who might well have become implacable enemies, but are instead working for peace together. These images are powerful reminders that people can reach across profound barriers to create new hope.
Dinner for Two
1997. 8 minutes
Director: Janet Perlman
Peace in the rain forest is disrupted when two chameleons get "stuck" in a conflict, with catastrophic results. Their conflict affects not just them, but the entire forest. Luckily, a frog observing the fracas figures out how to mediate the conflict. Dinner for Two tackles conflict in a lively and humorous way. It shows that amidst the chaos that differences can create, there are still paths to reconciliation.
June 21 – Talk Mogadishu
2003. 50 minutes
Director: Judy Jackson
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.
June 22 – The Shape of the Future
2005. Length unknown.
Director: L. Allen Scheid
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.
June 28 – In My Country
2004. 104 Minutes
Director: John Boorman
"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
