Oslo Handshake: 6 Films on the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process
A Cinematic Journey Through Diplomacy
The Oslo Accords of 1993 marked a significant milestone in Israeli-Palestinian relations, culminating in a historic handshake between Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat. This moment, facilitated by U.S. President Bill Clinton, symbolized hope for peace in a long-standing conflict. The events leading up to and following this pivotal agreement have captured the attention of filmmakers worldwide.
Several films have explored the complex dynamics of the Oslo peace process, offering viewers unique perspectives on the negotiations and their aftermath. These cinematic works delve into the secret talks, political maneuvering, and personal stories behind the public facade of diplomacy. Through dramatizations and documentaries, filmmakers have sought to shed light on the intricate web of relationships and decisions that shaped this crucial period in Middle Eastern history.
1) 'The Gatekeepers', directed by Dror Moreh
'The Gatekeepers' is a 2012 documentary film that offers a unique perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Director Dror Moreh interviews six former heads of Shin Bet, Israel's internal security service.
The film provides insights into the decision-making processes behind Israel's counterterrorism efforts. It combines in-depth interviews with archival footage and computer animation to illustrate key events.
These retired security chiefs share their experiences and reflections on Israel's policies towards Palestinians. Their candid discussions reveal the complexities and moral dilemmas faced in their roles.
The documentary examines pivotal moments in Israeli history, from the Six-Day War to more recent events. It offers a critical look at the effectiveness and consequences of Israel's security strategies.
'The Gatekeepers' received international acclaim and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. It sparked discussions about the long-term impacts of Israel's security policies on the peace process.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gatekeepers_(film)
2) 'Promises', directed by Justine Shapiro, B.Z. Goldberg, and Carlos Bolado
'Promises' is a compelling documentary released in 2001 that explores the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the eyes of seven children. The film takes place in Jerusalem and the West Bank, offering a unique perspective on this complex issue.
Directors Shapiro, Goldberg, and Bolado follow these children over three years, from 1995 to 1998. The documentary provides an intimate look at their lives, beliefs, and experiences growing up in a region marked by tension and conflict.
The filmmakers bring together Jewish and Palestinian children, allowing them to interact and share their viewpoints. This approach offers viewers a fresh and touching insight into the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
'Promises' received critical acclaim and was showcased at numerous film festivals. Its honest portrayal of the conflict through children's perspectives earned it several accolades and positive reviews.
The documentary serves as a powerful tool for understanding the human impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It highlights the potential for connection and understanding between young people from different backgrounds.
3) 'Waltz with Bashir', directed by Ari Folman
'Waltz with Bashir' is a groundbreaking animated documentary released in 2008. The film explores director Ari Folman's quest to recover lost memories from his time as an Israeli soldier during the 1982 Lebanon War.
Folman uses a unique blend of animation and interviews to reconstruct his experiences. The film focuses on the events leading up to the Sabra and Shatila massacre, a traumatic incident that has haunted Folman for years.
The animation style allows for surreal and dreamlike sequences that effectively convey the fragmented nature of memory. Through conversations with fellow veterans, Folman gradually pieces together his role in the conflict.
'Waltz with Bashir' received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to documentary filmmaking. It tackles complex themes of guilt, trauma, and the unreliability of memory in wartime.
The film's title refers to a scene where an Israeli soldier dances amid gunfire, set to a waltz. This striking image encapsulates the film's exploration of the absurdity and horror of war.
4) 'The Human Factor', directed by Dror Moreh
'The Human Factor' is a 2019 documentary film that offers a unique perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Directed by Israeli filmmaker Dror Moreh, the movie focuses on the behind-the-scenes efforts of American mediators over three decades.
The film features interviews with key negotiators and diplomats who were directly involved in peace talks. It provides insight into the complex dynamics and challenges faced during attempts to broker agreements between Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
Moreh's documentary highlights the importance of personal relationships and trust-building in diplomatic negotiations. It explores how small gestures and human connections can sometimes make a difference in high-stakes political discussions.
'The Human Factor' received critical acclaim for its balanced approach and intimate portrayal of the peace process. The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in August 2019 and was later released to wider audiences in January 2021.
By focusing on the human elements of diplomacy, the documentary offers viewers a fresh perspective on a long-standing conflict. It serves as both a historical record and a reflection on the complexities of achieving peace in the Middle East.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Human_Factor_(2019_film)]
5) 'Five Broken Cameras', directed by Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi
'Five Broken Cameras' is a powerful documentary that offers a first-hand account of non-violent resistance in Bil'in, a West Bank village. The film is co-directed by Palestinian farmer Emad Burnat and Israeli filmmaker Guy Davidi.
Burnat began documenting his village's struggle against Israeli settlements in 2005. He initially bought a camera to record the birth of his youngest son. Over time, Burnat's cameras were broken or damaged during the course of filming.
The documentary spans five years, chronicling the village's protests against the Israeli West Bank barrier. It captures the personal impact of the conflict on Burnat's family and community.
'Five Broken Cameras' received critical acclaim and numerous accolades. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2013. The film also won an Emmy Award for Best Documentary.
Through intimate footage and personal narration, the film provides a unique perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It humanizes the struggle and showcases the power of peaceful resistance.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5_Broken_Cameras
6) 'The Other Son', directed by Lorraine Lévy
'The Other Son' is a 2012 French drama film that explores the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a personal lens. The film centers on two young men who discover they were accidentally switched at birth - one raised as an Israeli and the other as a Palestinian.
Directed by Lorraine Lévy, the film delves into complex themes of identity, family, and cultural divisions. It follows Joseph Silberg, an Israeli teenager preparing to join the military, and Yacine Al Bezaaz, a Palestinian youth studying to become a doctor.
The revelation of their true origins forces both families to confront their preconceptions and prejudices. The mothers in the story show more openness to accepting the situation, while the fathers initially struggle with the news.
Through its narrative, 'The Other Son' offers a unique perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It examines how personal relationships can transcend political and cultural boundaries, challenging viewers to reconsider their own biases.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Other_Son_(2012_film)
Historical Context
The Oslo Accords marked a pivotal moment in Israeli-Palestinian relations, aiming to establish a framework for peace. Key figures and organizations played crucial roles in shaping the negotiations and their aftermath.
Background of the Oslo Accords
The Oslo Accords emerged from secret negotiations in Norway in 1993. These talks sought to end decades of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
The agreements outlined a process for Palestinian self-governance and eventual statehood. They divided the West Bank into areas of Palestinian and Israeli control.
Initial optimism surrounded the accords. Many hoped they would lead to a comprehensive peace settlement within five years.
However, implementation proved challenging. Disagreements over borders, settlements, and Jerusalem's status persisted.
Key Players and Stakeholders
Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Chairman Yasser Arafat were central figures in the Oslo process.
Rabin, representing Israel, took a risk for peace by recognizing the PLO. Arafat, as the Palestinian leader, agreed to renounce violence and recognize Israel's right to exist.
U.S. President Bill Clinton played a crucial mediating role. He hosted the famous handshake between Rabin and Arafat on the White House lawn in 1993.
Other key stakeholders included:
Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres
Palestinian negotiator Mahmoud Abbas
Norwegian diplomats who facilitated secret talks
These individuals faced opposition from hardliners on both sides who rejected compromise.
Impact on Israeli-Palestinian Relations
The Oslo Accords significantly altered Israeli-Palestinian dynamics, reshaping political landscapes and public sentiments on both sides. While initially met with optimism, the agreements' implementation faced numerous challenges and setbacks over time.
Political Changes Post-Oslo
The Oslo Accords led to the creation of the Palestinian Authority (PA), granting limited self-governance to Palestinians in parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This marked a shift from direct Israeli military rule to a new political structure. The PA assumed control over civilian affairs in designated areas, while Israel maintained overall security responsibility.
Elections were held for the Palestinian Legislative Council in 1996, introducing a new era of Palestinian political representation. However, the limited nature of PA authority and ongoing Israeli control over borders, resources, and settlements created tensions.
Israeli politics also saw changes, with the peace process becoming a divisive issue. The assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 by an Israeli extremist opposed to the Oslo Accords highlighted deep societal rifts.
Public Perception and Reactions
Initial public reactions to the Oslo Accords were mixed. Many Israelis and Palestinians welcomed the prospect of peace and normalized relations. There was hope for economic cooperation and an end to decades of conflict.
However, optimism waned as violence continued and promised improvements in daily life failed to materialize for many Palestinians. Frustration grew over ongoing settlement expansion and movement restrictions.
In Israel, security concerns remained paramount. Terror attacks led to increased skepticism about the peace process among the Israeli public. Support for parties opposing territorial concessions grew over time.
Palestinian disillusionment increased due to the lack of progress on key issues like refugees, Jerusalem, and statehood. This contributed to the rise of more hardline factions and eventual outbreak of the Second Intifada in 2000.
