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| From The Fledgling Fund |
Last night I attended the U.S. Premiere of Budrus, Julia Bacha and Ronit Avni's newest film. In the film, Ayed Morrar, an unlikely community organizer, unites Palestinians from all political factions and Israelis to save his village from destruction by Israel's Separation Barrier. Victory seems improbable until his 15-year-old daughter, Iltezam, launches a women's contingent that quickly moves to the front lines.
This is a stunning documentation of how non-violence and community organizing has worked in one of the most volatile areas in the world. It is clear that this film can be used to inspire more widespread use of these tactics. One of the most powerful messages I took away from the film was the importance of hearing, understanding and incorporating the story of "the other". For community organizers, filmmakers, activists, students and anyone else seeking to solve challenges and bring people together, Budrus demonstrates that looking outside of your own perspective and learning more about where the other side is coming from, what their values are and why they believe what they believe is a critical step in the process for reconciliation and problem solving.
Check out the Budrus and Just Vision website to learn more and find screenings near you, including at the Tribeca Film Festival.
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