As a gamer with a deep love for cinema, especially films that challenge the status quo and provoke thought, I find myself deeply intrigued by Amos Gitai‘s latest work, “Why War”. Having spent countless hours immersed in virtual worlds and narrative conflicts, I can appreciate the poetic associative journey Gitai has crafted through this film.
As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: “In response to those advocating for a boycott of my latest film, ‘Why War’, I stand firm that change is needed on both sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict. For true peace to triumph, it’s crucial that we refresh our current leadership.”
Debuting this weekend at the Venice Film Festival outside the main competition, the film titled “Why War” draws inspiration from letters exchanged between Albert Einstein and Sigmund Freud in the early 1930s about the inherent aggressive nature of humans and strategies to prevent war. The production combines dramatized performances of these historical figures discussing their correspondence, with artistic depictions of war throughout history and scenes portraying characters grappling with the psychological consequences of conflict.
Despite the film not being directly linked to the current conflicts in the Middle East, the movie “Why War” and Gitai have faced protests during its Venice screening. Over 300 filmmakers signed an open letter advocating for a boycott of both films, with Dani Rosenberg’s Hebrew-language drama “Al Klavim Veanashim (Of Dogs and Men” also included in the call. The artists, including several Palestinian filmmakers and actors such as Oscar-nominated Hany Abu-Assad, Rosalind Nashashibi, Raed Andoni, Saleh Bakri, along with Italian filmmakers Enrico Parenti and Alessandra Ferrini; and actors Niccolò Senni, Simona Cavallari, and Paola Michelini, argued that the Israeli production companies behind “Why War” are complicit in apartheid, occupation, and genocide by remaining silent or actively participating in artwashing.
Gitai, a long-time proponent of peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians, countered the boycott demands, stating that those who penned the public letter hadn’t even watched the movie, and the project didn’t receive financial support from the Israeli government.
Gitai observed that the film “Why War” delves into the broader query of war, rather than focusing on the complex Israeli-Palestinian dynamic.
As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: “Contrary to popular belief, the movie isn’t solely about Israel-Palestine. It’s easy to get caught up in thinking that these regions are the heart of everything, but let me remind you, there is no ‘center of the world.’ The planet we live on is round, and while the Israel-Palestine conflict holds great significance, it’s not the only one worth talking about.” (Gitai’s words)
The movie, starring Irène Jacob, Mathieu Amalric, Micha Lescot, Jérôme Kircher, Yaël Abecassis, and Keren Morr, was characterized as a symbolic, connected journey through Vienna, Tel Aviv, Berlin, and Paris during the filming process.
“The foundations of this idea can be traced back to these two influential thinkers: Karl Marx and Sigmund Freud. It’s plausible that Marx’s ideas may have influenced Einstein, as his work seems to reflect a Marxist perspective on the role of money, ambition, and industry. Freud, on the other hand, delves into the human psyche, seeking to understand why intelligent beings like us are prone to conflict.”
Even amidst the grimness of the present situation in the Middle East, Gitai remains hopeful that the longstanding Israel-Palestinian dispute will eventually find a resolution.
“History isn’t always predictable… It often happens that the most difficult times pave the way for reconciliation, as people come to realize that such actions aren’t the path forward. They can’t continue hurting each other and claiming it as a win. Such claims are void of substance.”
Gitai proposed that for peace to have a realistic opportunity, it would be necessary to remove or dismantle both the Palestinian militant organization, Hamas, and the conservative administration led by Benjamin Netanyahu from power.
“It’s important for these two groups to realize that being under Hamas is not a favorable situation. They will not have women’s rights, no rights for Christians or members of the LGBT community, none at all. The Iranians faced this reality when they supported Khomeini and are still dealing with it now.”
“It’s time for us, the Israelis, to replace our current extreme, nationalist, right-wing, racist, religious government. We need a cleanup, and then perhaps a new path can be paved. At the moment, there isn’t one, but we must hold onto the hope that it will eventually emerge. What’s the solution?”
Gitai expressed his choice to abstain from displaying visuals related to the ongoing dispute between Israel and Palestine, a conflict spanning over seven decades, as he felt that existing media portrayals on both sides were escalating the tension further.
Reflecting on the portrayal of events, it seems that Israeli television predominantly focuses on the horrific incidents of October 7, such as the rape of women and burning of kibbutzim. As an average Israeli person viewing these disturbing images, my initial reaction might be: “Let’s wipe them out completely.”
He stated: “Television extends the conflict, while its imagery perpetuates it. Consequently, we opted to create an anti-war movie devoid of war scenes. We must innovate strategies for rejuvenating this stunning region… despite the scars, sorrow, and traumatic recollections, we must construct something novel. This cycle cannot continue.”
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2024-08-31 16:25