East Jerusalem/West Jerusalem
The album is good; the making-of documentary is extraordinary.
-- Jordan Hoffman, Vanity Fair
East Jerusalem/West Jerusalem
Part of our Culture Vulture series. For more screenings and information, visit: www.laemmle.com/culturevulture.
In early 2013 Israeli singer-songwriter David Broza arrives in East Jerusalem for an unprecedented project. Broza has always believed in the power of music to transform political and social realities, working for almost 40 years to challenge people's perceptions and beliefs, and connect adversaries through songs and lyrics.
Following his years-old dream to record songs in the Palestinian side of Jerusalem with musicians from Palestine and Israel, Broza begins in January 2013 an eight-day session in the studio of Sabreen, the legendary Palestinian band.
Broza recruits four-time Grammy Award-winner singer-songwriter and American activist Steve Earle, renowned Israeli Palestinian singer, actor and activist Mira Awad, Palestinian cinematographer Issa Freij, Palestinian hip hop artist from the Shuaafat refugee camp Muhammad Mughrabi, Israeli musicians Jean Paul Zimbris, Alon Nadel and Gadi Seri, as well as and other American, Israeli and Palestinian participants.
During the extensive sessions they enjoy special dinners that offer them opportunities to share their life stories and learn surprising truths about each other. The ever-curious Broza is eager to explore a part of the world which is very close to his home in Tel Aviv, yet so remote. As the two members of "G-Town" describe the realities of Shuafat refugee camp, where they live, Broza decides to visit the place in the dark of night.
Broza also tours the Old City of Jerusalem with a Palestinian friend, seeing it from a different perspective. Producer Steve Earle, who wrote in the 1990s a song called "Jerusalem" (recorded by Broza especially for this project), sees the city for the first time - the eight-day stay in Jerusalem offers him unexpected insights into the political and cultural complexities of the region. While the harmonious experience at the studio is reflected in the recordings of both cover songs and original material, including "East Jerusalem / West Jerusalem", written by Broza and Wyclef Jean, the situation in East Jerusalem is far from peaceful. The commitment of Broza and his fellow musicians to establish dialogue, however, is never doubted. The experience they share together offers an alternative story, one of seeking bridge building, living together, and finding common ground.
“The film EAST JERUSALEM WEST JERUSALEM is a must-see for anyone who believes in co-existence, in peace, in hope, and in the ability to build bridges and connect through the arts and music.” – Dror Moreh, director of The Gatekeepers
"At a time when Israel and Palestine seem as hopelessly divided as ever, the documentary shows how artistry can wrestle with heavy societal themes to inspire personal, soul-stirring music." – Zach Sharf, IndieWire
Following his years-old dream to record songs in the Palestinian side of Jerusalem with musicians from Palestine and Israel, Broza begins in January 2013 an eight-day session in the studio of Sabreen, the legendary Palestinian band.
Broza recruits four-time Grammy Award-winner singer-songwriter and American activist Steve Earle, renowned Israeli Palestinian singer, actor and activist Mira Awad, Palestinian cinematographer Issa Freij, Palestinian hip hop artist from the Shuaafat refugee camp Muhammad Mughrabi, Israeli musicians Jean Paul Zimbris, Alon Nadel and Gadi Seri, as well as and other American, Israeli and Palestinian participants.
During the extensive sessions they enjoy special dinners that offer them opportunities to share their life stories and learn surprising truths about each other. The ever-curious Broza is eager to explore a part of the world which is very close to his home in Tel Aviv, yet so remote. As the two members of "G-Town" describe the realities of Shuafat refugee camp, where they live, Broza decides to visit the place in the dark of night.
Broza also tours the Old City of Jerusalem with a Palestinian friend, seeing it from a different perspective. Producer Steve Earle, who wrote in the 1990s a song called "Jerusalem" (recorded by Broza especially for this project), sees the city for the first time - the eight-day stay in Jerusalem offers him unexpected insights into the political and cultural complexities of the region. While the harmonious experience at the studio is reflected in the recordings of both cover songs and original material, including "East Jerusalem / West Jerusalem", written by Broza and Wyclef Jean, the situation in East Jerusalem is far from peaceful. The commitment of Broza and his fellow musicians to establish dialogue, however, is never doubted. The experience they share together offers an alternative story, one of seeking bridge building, living together, and finding common ground.
“The film EAST JERUSALEM WEST JERUSALEM is a must-see for anyone who believes in co-existence, in peace, in hope, and in the ability to build bridges and connect through the arts and music.” – Dror Moreh, director of The Gatekeepers
"At a time when Israel and Palestine seem as hopelessly divided as ever, the documentary shows how artistry can wrestle with heavy societal themes to inspire personal, soul-stirring music." – Zach Sharf, IndieWire
Genre
Documentary,
Culture Vulture,
Music
Runtime
84
Language
English
Director
Henrique Cymerman,
Erez Miller
Cast
David Broza,
Mira Awad,
Steve Earle,
Steve Greenberg,
Alon Nadel,
Gadi Seri,
Elias Wakileh,
Jean-Paul Zimbriz
Played at
Claremont
Claremont 5
Encino
Town Center 5
Beverly Hills
Fine Arts Theatre
Pasadena
Playhouse 7
East Jerusalem/West Jerusalem Get Tickets
There are currently no showtimes for this film. Please check back soon.