Synopsis

Daniel Barenboim, the world-renowned Israeli-Argentine conductor and pianist, and Edward Said, a Palestinian-American English scholar, established a foundation to contribute to national peacemaking and reconciliation through music. As a result, the 'West-Eastern Divan' Orchestra, formed by Israeli and Arab young musicians, was created in 1998. It was named after an anthology of poems by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, inspired by an Iranian poet, Hafiz. Barenboim and Said held Cultural Studies lectures on the differences between the two cultures and organized a music camp with the orchestra, attempting to bridge the gap of ignorance and hatred between them. Sadly, Said passed away from leukemia in 2003, but Barenboim has continued to follow his last wishes through the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra. Paul Smaczny has tried to capture the first steps towards peace in the Middle East by filming Barenboim, Said, and the orchestra over six years starting in 1999. A particularly moving scene is the music concert in the Palestinian Authority district of Ramallah in 2005, surrounded by armed soldiers, which showcases the triumph of art over politics.

Director

Paul Smaczny

Paul Smaczny, a producer, screenwriter, and director, studied law, French literature, German literature, and theater/film in Germany and France. Over the past 15 years, he has produced and directed over 150 films and broadcasts, capturing musically significant moments on camera. His films feature world-renowned orchestras and opera houses, including the Berlin Philharmonic, Lucerne Music Festival, Deutsche Oper Berlin, and La Scala in Milan.