George Washington University Hatchet
(October 21, 2004)
Common Ground Film Festival at the Elliott School
by Jason Mogavero
The Elliott School [of International Affairs] will host
the 2004 Common Ground Film Festival, providing a venue for the free discussion of films
designed to motivate, instigate, inspire or just make people think. Sponsored by the group
Search For Common Ground, the Festival's purpose (according to its website) is "to
showcase films that focus on individuals who are working to make a difference in their
community, show inspiring stories of reconciliation between former enemies, promote
understanding of the issues and people involved, and give audiences a broader context of
those issues."
The Festival seeks not only to present the films but also to generate interactivity.
"Our goal is not just to show films, but to show films about certain subjects and
then interact with the audience afterwards," said Susan Koscis, communications
director of Search For Common Ground. "We use films to catalyze reactions about the
material."
2004 marks the second year that the Festival has taken place at the Elliott School. In
2002, it was held at the now-defunct Visions Cinema, a joint effort between Visions and
American University the previous year. Koscis described the impact of Search For Common
Ground's films internationally. "We brought the Festival to Jerusalem this past June
for four days and four nights. The audiences were comprised of conservative and liberal
Jews and Palestinians. The conversations were emotional and very raw, but every day 100
people had to be turned away. They genuinely wanted to have these dialogues with the other
side. It was very moving."
Screenings take place at 7:00 PM in Room 213 at the Elliott School.
Thursday, Oct. 21
"Improbable Pairs"
In his 17-minute film, writer/director/producer Paul Andrews depicts groups of people
whose desire for peace and harmony outweighs their subscription to historical differences.
"Crucible Of War"
From the codified viewpoint of America, it's easy to forget that once a military conflict
halfway around the world is over, all does not simply return to normal. This film examines
the aftershocks of war in the former Yugoslavia and the uncertainties about the future
faced there. Producer and GW
alumna Erica Ginsberg and director Leon Gerskovic will be special guests at the event.
Tuesday, Oct. 26
"In Rwanda We Say... The Family That Does Not Speak Dies"
After experiencing genocide, the Rwandan people faced wounds that under any other
circumstances would seem insurmountable. This film examines the healing process undertaken
to begin life again. Co-producer and director Anne Aghion will be in attendance.
Wednesday, Oct. 27
"The Junction"
They shared nothing in common while alive, but David Biri and Fahmi Abou Ammouneh came
together as the first Israeli soldier and Palestinian resident killed in a conflict that
has since claimed the lives of 1,000 Israelis and 3,000 Palestinians. Their stories are
told through home video footage and interviews with family and friends.
Thursday, Oct. 28
"Seeds"
This feature-length documentary examines 10 teenagers (or 'seeds') that come together from
their battered, conflict-riddled nations to the Seeds of Peace International Camp in
Maine. Over three weeks, they embraced their differences and transcended barriers, all
before the eyes of the cameras. Co-director and producer Marj Safinia and Vice President
of Seeds of Peace Bobbie Gottschalk will be in attendance.
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