Disturbing the Peace (2016)

Disturbing the Peace: Directed by Stephen Apkon, Andrew Young. With Chen Alon, Jamil Qassas, Avner Wishnitzer, Sulaiman Khatib. In a world torn by conflict -in a place where the idea of peace has been abandoned-an energy of determined optimism emerges. When someone is willing to disturb the status quo and stand for the dream of a free and secure world, who will stand with them? DISTURBING THE PEACE is a story of the human potential unleashed when we stop participating in a story that no longer serves us and, with the power of our convictions, take action to create new possibilities. DISTURBING THE PEACE follows former enemy combatants – Israeli soldiers from elite units and Palestinian fighters, many of whom served years in prison – who have joined together to challenge the status quo and say “enough.” The film reveals their transformational journeys from soldiers committed to armed battle to nonviolent peace activists, leading to the creation of Combatants for Peace. While based in the Middle East, DISTURBING THE PEACE evokes universal themes relevant to us all and inspires us to become active participants in the creation of our world.

“Before watching this film, I didnu0026#39;t know much about the Israeli occupation of Palestine other than the bits I saw on the news. The film was informative: it clearly explained the conflict. But then, it went deeper and explored how both Palestinians and Israelis alike are affected by the conflict. Individuals are profiled and many have dramatic stories about how they made a complete 180 in their lives to move from violence and towards seeking peace. Seeing individuals from both sides of the conflict put down their weapons and strive for peace was inspiring. The film gave me a new view on peace: peace isnu0026#39;t just stopping and putting down your weapon, itu0026#39;s actively working towards change and peace for all. Peace takes work and this film show that very clearly, leaving me educated and inspired. This is more than a movie, itu0026#39;s the start of a movement towards peace.”