Screening at the Kulturscheune Eibenhof
How can peace be achieved? This documentary film provides insights into four of the most complex conflicts of our time: Colombia, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Israel-Palestine. It tells of negotiations between enemies, of the failure of great hopes – and of small steps that open the way to peace.
The focus is on people who were involved in historic turning points: Nobel Peace Prize laureates, diplomats, negotiators, and former guerrillas – including Juan Manuel Santos, Cyril Ramaphosa, Fatima Gailani, Schlomo Ben-Ami, and Federica Mogherini. They talk about successes and setbacks, about the staying power of diplomacy – and about the fact that peace is neither self-evident nor easy.
The film makes it clear that peace is not a state, but a process. It begins with political will, requires the courage to engage in dialogue, the processing of guilt – and a great deal of patience. Making peace is an art and, at the same time, hard, persistent work.
The screening will be followed by a discussion with director Jobst Knigge and expert Daniel Gerlach:
In times of war, peace is highly valued—at least in theory. “The Art of Peace: A Different History of the Middle East” is the title of the new book by Germany’s leading Middle East expert and editor of the Orient magazine ZENITH, Daniel Gerlach. TV producer Katrin Sandmann will then discuss with him and the film’s author, Jobst Knigge, new ideas for silencing weapons and the role of optimism, empathy, and humanity.
© Sebastian Backhaus / © Jordana-Schramm