The Field
Synopsis
Gush Etzion Junction, between Jerusalem and Hevron: Ali Abu Awwad dedicates his family’s field as a Palestinian Center for Non-violence. Despite his life experience, four years in an Israeli prison, his mother’s five year sentence, a brother killed by an Israeli soldier- Ali creates “Roots” with local Israeli settlers, advancing responsibility and grassroots work to enable political reconciliation. The director, a resident of Gush Etzion, accompanies the initiative for 2.5 years and documents the changes transpiring on both sides. In 2015, Etzion Junction suffers a wave of violence and the activists face a reality where their own relatives are being attacked.
Credits
Director(s)
Mordechai Vardi
Producer(s)
Mordechai Vardi
Script
Mordechai Vardi
Cinematography
Mordechai Vardi, Raaya Vardi Teboulle
Editor
Yoni Tzruya
Original Music
Avi Belleli
Festival Highlights
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WINNER
Best Feature Documentary AwardPeace On Earth Film Festival2018
FIPA International Film Festival, France, European premiere, 2018
Doc Aviv International Film Festival, Israel, Official Competition, 2017
Peace On Earth Film Festival, USA, 2018
Religion Today Film Festival, Italy, 2018
Tolerance Film Festival, Indonesia, 2018
Copenhagen Jewish Film Festival, Denmark, 2018
Holy Land Film Series, USA, 2018
Other Israel Film Festival, USA, 2017
Cinema South International Film Festival, Israel, 2017
Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, USA, 2017
St Louis International Film Festival, USA, 2017
Reviews
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"The film is made with wisdom and aesthetic modesty and, to my opinion also with political integrity."
- Cinema South Film Festival /.A.B. Yehoshua
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" Abu Awwad, a Palestinian resident of Gush Etzion, invites his Orthodox Jewish neighbors to his field and speaks to them of the importance of opening a dialogue of nonviolence, mutual acceptance, and understanding. Rabbi Mordechai Vardi’s documentary ''The Field'' shines a bright light on the dark divide separating Palestinians and Israelis."
- Phildelphia Jewish Film Festival