Promises

Promises is a poignant documentary which was released in 2001. The film ingeniously offers an unprecedented reflection on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the eyes of seven children living on both sides of the affliction. Promises acts as a powerful testament to the facts and consequences that wars and political battles have on the youngest and most vulnerable: children.

Directed by Justine Shapiro, B.Z. Goldman, and Carlos Bolado, Promises offers a raw, unfiltered look into the realities of conflicts and their effects. Centrally featured are Moishe Bar Am and Shlomo Green, both from Jerusalem, who provide a perspective of Jewish narratives and their experiences.

The film delves into the lives of five Palestinian and Israeli kids over a span of three years, aged between 9 to 13 years during the time when peace seemed reachable in the Middle East before the Second Intifada. These children, although belonging to different religious and political backgrounds, share a common ground: their innocence and their childhood, overshadowed by the conflict that has been imposed on them, and the constant upheavals in their lives that they need to migrate through.

Moishe Bar Am, an orthodox Jew living in the inner city of Jerusalem, reflects a side of life steeped in tradition and roots. Shlomo Green, a resident of the same city, represents a moderate, peaceful side, keen on insisting on the importance of attuning with one’s roots and embracing a peaceful life.

Promises begins by introducing its audience to the seven children: there's Sanabel from the Deheishe Refugee Camp, Faraj from the same locality, Mahmoud from East Jerusalem, twins Yarko and Daniel from West Jerusalem, Shlomo from the religiously oriented suburb of Geula and lastly, Moishe from the settlement of Beit El. Through their stories, the documentary probes into individual experiences and perspectives and draws out the complexities of this seemingly never-ending dispute.

The children, an embodiment of resilience and hope, reveal the unfiltered truth and day-to-day impact of geopolitical combats on young lives. With each narrative tied to the backdrop of inherited histories and cultures seeping with profound political implications, the film offers an unbiased, up-close, and personal exploration of a place where geography is directly linked to destiny.

What's more, the film uses the border language – a mix of Arabic and Hebrew throughout – something that dissects the stubborn linguistic barriers that alienate and propagate otherism, bringing a bittersweet relatability to the entire storyline.

Throughout the ubiquitous chaos, Promises beautifully spotlights the spirit of childhood, the value of dreams and aspirations, and the power of innocence in an allure of simplicity. The heartwarming camaraderie and interactions among the children inspire hope for a better future, instigating viewers to believe that perhaps bridges, not walls, can be built not just on maps but in hearts.

The filmmakers' dedication over a period of several years permeates through every frame of Promises, making viewers privy to some of the most intimate and heartrending scenes and elements of perception. The neutral stance they maintained while making the film lends it an atmosphere of authenticity, vividly encapsulating the innocence and resilience of children caught in zones of conflict.

Through its astute and sensitive handling of the highly charged topic, the documentary bagged numerous awards. Promises was nominated for an Academy Award and won two Emmy Awards, including Best Documentary and Outstanding Background Analysis. It also took home the prestigious Audience Award at multiple film festivals, strengthening its impression as a work of significance and influence in the sphere of documentary filmmaking.

In conclusion, Promises is a captivating documentary that emphasizes the importance of listening to the voices of children even in the face of political conflict. It's a stark, raw view into how deep-seated enmity affects their lives, forging resounding spectacles of innocence caught in the crossfire and resilience that defies geopolitics. By highlighting these young perspectives, Promises stirs each viewer's conscience, inviting them to question, empathize, and understand the facets of the conflict that rage on, awaiting resolution.