Pace of Peace - English

INTRODUCTION

In today’s world two fundamental facts intersect and overlap: the difficult and often disputed process of integration and interdependence and the emergence of new rivalries which, together, increase the risk of aggravating decades of unresolved conflict. All this leads to a condition of disorder and uncertainty which creates deep unrest in our conscience and makes the future precarious. Convinced that at such times we must take our collective and individual responsibilities, the International Animated Film Festival I Castelli Animati, within the limits of its context and on the basis of its own specific competence, has launched a project which aims at being a small but special contribution to regaining the possibility of living together in peace in one of the areas which, over recent decades, has been most tormented by a conflict which seems irremediable: the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The project, originally an idea of Roberto Davide Papini and Attilio Valenti, was promoted in partnership with the Office for Peace in Jerusalem of the City of Rome, which has undertaken a strategic role regarding the complex actions of development and realization of the project, both in the Middle East and in Italy, in collaboration with the Municipalities of Raanana (Israel) and of Qalqilia (Palestinian Authority), the Mayors of which offered their full support on the project. Because of its particular aims and valence, the main protagonists of the project are young people, those most defenseless builders of the future and, perhaps, those least
intoxicated by the poisonous fumes of reciprocal acts of war and terrorism.

THE REALISATION OF THE FILM

The students of the two schools, Aviv Secondary School – Raanana (Israel) and Al Sadia Secondary School – Qalqilia (Palestinian Authority), were the fulcrum of the realization of the animated film, “Pace of Peace”, which portray their thoughts, hopes and expectations for the future and the cohabitation of their two nations. The essence was not only in transforming the ideas of these young people into a film but also, and above all, in the fact that they were involved in a common concrete work, a discovery of others and a collaboration with others which in itself already represents the achievement of a real and positive result. The film had also the artistic supervision of the most prestigious Italian authors, Giulio Gianini and Emanuele Luzzati, twice Oscar nominees.

GENERAL SET-UP

In February 2004 a workshop was held in Rome with the students from both schools. It was coordinated by Luca Raffaelli, Artistic Director of I Castelli Animati, and by Attilio Valenti, with the collaboration of the journalist Roberto Davide Papini. The two groups of young people created a storyline and realized the preparatory drawings of the characters and backgrounds; on the basis of the work carried out, a script and storyboard were realized then subjected to the approval of the students during the course of a mission to Israel and to the Territories of the Palestinian Authority. The animation, sound track, filming and printing were entirely realized in Italy under the supervision of Giulio Gianini and Emanuele Luzzati. The production of the film was possible thanks to Italian animators and producers. Fundamental to the success of the project was the contribution of the teachers of both schools who assisted the Artistic Directors of the project in their work with the students, particularly during the stages of long distance communication. The sound track was also realized in the same spirit as the rest of the project: with the birth of a collaboration between the Israeli, Noa and the Palestinian Rim Banna, which work together on the music of the film.

THE DOCUMENTARY

The entire process of realization of the project was recorded and the most important moments were edited to make a documentary, which illustrate the various work stages, the encounters, the problems addressed and the “behind the scenes” episodes. This is an important peace document: because the aim of the project is not only to make a cartoon, but to compare young people who represent two cultures, two peoples in conflict, to show that a common effort can be made, that collaboration between young Palestinians and Israelis can be constructive and pacific.

CREDITS OF THE SHORT FILM

POP - Pace of Peace
Winner of the Award for Cinema and the Culture of Dialogue at 2004 edition of the
International Venice Film Festival
Special Mention at Cartoons on the Bay 2005 (Positano – Italy)
Italy, 2004, color, without dialogue
Running time: 8’
Technique: various

Synopsis
POP the Supercamel, together with an Israeli boy and a Palestinian boy, magically transforms scenarios of
war and violence into real situation of peace.

About the project
An idea of Roberto Davide Papini and of Attilio Valenti, the short film was produced by I Castelli Animati and the Office for Peace in Jerusalem of the City of Rome.
During the course of a week of work together in Rome, 8 Israeli students and 8 Palestinian students developed the subject of the cartoon which was realized by thirteen prestigious Italian animation studios: A&M, De Mas & Partners, Fusako Yusaki, Graphilm, GreenMovie Group, Matitanimata, Mnogo Film, Proxima, Rainbow, Experimental Film Centre/National School of Cinema-Animation Department, Spiritosound, Stranemani, The Animation Band; with the artistic direction of Luca Raffaelli and Attilio Valenti and the artistic supervision of the two masters Giulio Gianini and Emanuele Luzzati.
Also participating in the realization of the film were Gregory Panaccione (storyboard), Matteo Valenti (videoboard), Giuseppe Squillaci (technical coordination), Angelo Talocci (sound design), Fabrizio Mazzotta (who lent his voice to the Supercamel).
The exceptional sound theme was written and performed by two famous international artists: Israeli Noa and Palestinian Rim Banna.
The project received the collaboration of the Chamber of Commerce of Rome, the Council for Cultural Policies, Communication and Information Technologies of the Province of Rome, Rai Tre, Cinecittà Holding. With the patronage of ASIFA International and ASIFA Italia.
The full story of the development of the project is told in a documentary The Story of P.O.P., realized by Gianluigi De Stefano, showing behind the scenes: the different work stages, the meetings, the problems addressed, the intense emotions that the young Israelis and Palestinians experienced together.

A film created and written by: Riyad Abu Samra, Yaara Beer, Yulia Medveder, Lewaa Afana, Abdulhamid Nassar, Ori Nabarro, Oded Rhivi, Iyad Hantash, Issa Abu Hantash, Matan Rozen-Rozenberg, Raam Roch-Hai, Najmeddin Zaid, Ahmad Nazzal, Noa Shechori, Ofir Shabtai, Saleh Thiab
Artistic Direction: Luca Raffaelli, Attilio Valenti
Script: Luca Raffaelli, Attilio Valenti
Artistic Supervision: Giulio Gianini, Emanuele Luzzati
Animation: Rainbow, Graphilm, Proxima, Stranemani, Studio Fusako Yusaki, De Mas & Partners, A&M, The Animation Band, Studio Matita Animata, Mnogo Film, Green Movie Animation, Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia - Scuola Nazionale di Cinema-Dipartimento di Animazione
Project Creation: Roberto Davide Papini, Attilio Valenti
Technical Coordination: Giuseppe Squillaci
Storyboard: Gregory Panaccione
Videoboard: Matteo Valenti
The Song “Supercamel” is Performed by: Noa e Rim Banna
Lyrics and Music Written by: Noa (Achinoam Nini), Gil Dor, Rim Banna
Additional Music and Sound Designer: Angelo Talocci, Spiritosound
Supercamel’s voice: Fabrizio Mazzotta
Production: Office for Peace in Jerusalem of the City of Rome, I Castelli Animati International Animated Film Festival, Municipaliy of Qalqilia, Municipality of Raanana
With the collaboration of: Chamber of Commerce of Rome, Province of Rome, Rai Radiotelevisione Italiana Raitre, Cinecittà Holding
With the patronage of: International Asifa, Asifa Italia

CREDITS OF THE DOCUMENTARY

The Story of POP
Italy, 2004, 44’
Realized by: Janus Produzioni
Directed by: Gianluigi De Stefano
Commented by: Luca Raffaelli
Editing: Francesca Mor
Production: Office for Peace in Jerusalem of the City of Rome, I Castelli Animati International Animated Film Festival, Municipality of Qalqilia, Municipality of Raanana
With the collaboration of: Chamber of Commerce of Rome, Province of Rome, Rai Radiotelevisione Italiana Raitre, Cinecittà Holding
With the patronage of: Asifa International, Asifa Italia

HEBREW AND ARABIC VERSIONS

Project: Gian Maria Turi, Eyal Presente, Paola Dal Lago
Project coordination: Franco La Torre, Geriess Khoury, Gian Maria Turi
Translations: Hala Khoury, Keren Millul
Subtitles by: VSI-Israele
Production: Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Haifa, Ufficio per la Pace a Gerusalemme del Comune di Roma

INTRODUCTION In today’s world two fundamental facts intersect and overlap: the difficult and often disputed process of integration and interdependence and the emergence of new rivalries which, together, increase the risk of aggravating decades of unresolved conflict. All this leads to a condition of disorder and uncertainty which creates deep unrest in our conscience and makes the future precarious. Convinced that at such times we must take our collective and individual responsibilities, the International Animated Film Festival I Castelli Animati, within the limits of its context and on the basis of its own specific competence, has launched a project which aims at being a small but special contribution to regaining the possibility of living together in peace in one of the areas which, over recent decades, has been most tormented by a conflict which seems irremediable: the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The project, originally an idea of Roberto Davide Papini and Attilio Valenti, was promoted in partnership with the Office for Peace in Jerusalem of the City of Rome, which has undertaken a strategic role regarding the complex actions of development and realization of the project, both in the Middle East and in Italy, in collaboration with the Municipalities of Raanana (Israel) and of Qalqilia (Palestinian Authority), the Mayors of which offered their full support on the project. Because of its particular aims and valence, the main protagonists of the project are young people, those most defenseless builders of the future and, perhaps, those least intoxicated by the poisonous fumes of reciprocal acts of war and terrorism. THE REALISATION OF THE FILM The students of the two schools, Aviv Secondary School – Raanana (Israel) and Al Sadia Secondary School – Qalqilia (Palestinian Authority), were the fulcrum of the realization of the animated film, “Pace of Peace”, which portray their thoughts, hopes and expectations for the future and the cohabitation of their two nations. The essence was not only in transforming the ideas of these young people into a film but also, and above all, in the fact that they were involved in a common concrete work, a discovery of others and a collaboration with others which in itself already represents the achievement of a real and positive result. The film had also the artistic supervision of the most prestigious Italian authors, Giulio Gianini and Emanuele Luzzati, twice Oscar nominees. GENERAL SET-UP In February 2004 a workshop was held in Rome with the students from both schools. It was coordinated by Luca Raffaelli, Artistic Director of I Castelli Animati, and by Attilio Valenti, with the collaboration of the journalist Roberto Davide Papini. The two groups of young people created a storyline and realized the preparatory drawings of the characters and backgrounds; on the basis of the work carried out, a script and storyboard were realized then subjected to the approval of the students during the course of a mission to Israel and to the Territories of the Palestinian Authority. The animation, sound track, filming and printing were entirely realized in Italy under the supervision of Giulio Gianini and Emanuele Luzzati. The production of the film was possible thanks to Italian animators and producers. Fundamental to the success of the project was the contribution of the teachers of both schools who assisted the Artistic Directors of the project in their work with the students, particularly during the stages of long distance communication. The sound track was also realized in the same spirit as the rest of the project: with the birth of a collaboration between the Israeli, Noa and the Palestinian Rim Banna, which work together on the music of the film. THE DOCUMENTARY The entire process of realization of the project was recorded and the most important moments were edited to make a documentary, which illustrate the various work stages, the encounters, the problems addressed and the “behind the scenes” episodes. This is an important peace document: because the aim of the project is not only to make a cartoon, but to compare young people who represent two cultures, two peoples in conflict, to show that a common effort can be made, that collaboration between young Palestinians and Israelis can be constructive and pacific. CREDITS OF THE SHORT FILM POP - Pace of Peace Winner of the Award for Cinema and the Culture of Dialogue at 2004 edition of the International Venice Film Festival Special Mention at Cartoons on the Bay 2005 (Positano – Italy) Italy, 2004, color, without dialogue Running time: 8’ Technique: various Synopsis POP the Supercamel, together with an Israeli boy and a Palestinian boy, magically transforms scenarios of war and violence into real situation of peace. About the project An idea of Roberto Davide Papini and of Attilio Valenti, the short film was produced by I Castelli Animati and the Office for Peace in Jerusalem of the City of Rome. During the course of a week of work together in Rome, 8 Israeli students and 8 Palestinian students developed the subject of the cartoon which was realized by thirteen prestigious Italian animation studios: A&M, De Mas & Partners, Fusako Yusaki, Graphilm, GreenMovie Group, Matitanimata, Mnogo Film, Proxima, Rainbow, Experimental Film Centre/National School of Cinema-Animation Department, Spiritosound, Stranemani, The Animation Band; with the artistic direction of Luca Raffaelli and Attilio Valenti and the artistic supervision of the two masters Giulio Gianini and Emanuele Luzzati. Also participating in the realization of the film were Gregory Panaccione (storyboard), Matteo Valenti (videoboard), Giuseppe Squillaci (technical coordination), Angelo Talocci (sound design), Fabrizio Mazzotta (who lent his voice to the Supercamel). The exceptional sound theme was written and performed by two famous international artists: Israeli Noa and Palestinian Rim Banna. The project received the collaboration of the Chamber of Commerce of Rome, the Council for Cultural Policies, Communication and Information Technologies of the Province of Rome, Rai Tre, Cinecittà Holding. With the patronage of ASIFA International and ASIFA Italia. The full story of the development of the project is told in a documentary The Story of P.O.P., realized by Gianluigi De Stefano, showing behind the scenes: the different work stages, the meetings, the problems addressed, the intense emotions that the young Israelis and Palestinians experienced together. A film created and written by: Riyad Abu Samra, Yaara Beer, Yulia Medveder, Lewaa Afana, Abdulhamid Nassar, Ori Nabarro, Oded Rhivi, Iyad Hantash, Issa Abu Hantash, Matan Rozen-Rozenberg, Raam Roch-Hai, Najmeddin Zaid, Ahmad Nazzal, Noa Shechori, Ofir Shabtai, Saleh Thiab Artistic Direction: Luca Raffaelli, Attilio Valenti Script: Luca Raffaelli, Attilio Valenti Artistic Supervision: Giulio Gianini, Emanuele Luzzati Animation: Rainbow, Graphilm, Proxima, Stranemani, Studio Fusako Yusaki, De Mas & Partners, A&M, The Animation Band, Studio Matita Animata, Mnogo Film, Green Movie Animation, Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia - Scuola Nazionale di Cinema-Dipartimento di Animazione Project Creation: Roberto Davide Papini, Attilio Valenti Technical Coordination: Giuseppe Squillaci Storyboard: Gregory Panaccione Videoboard: Matteo Valenti The Song “Supercamel” is Performed by: Noa e Rim Banna Lyrics and Music Written by: Noa (Achinoam Nini), Gil Dor, Rim Banna Additional Music and Sound Designer: Angelo Talocci, Spiritosound Supercamel’s voice: Fabrizio Mazzotta Production: Office for Peace in Jerusalem of the City of Rome, I Castelli Animati International Animated Film Festival, Municipaliy of Qalqilia, Municipality of Raanana With the collaboration of: Chamber of Commerce of Rome, Province of Rome, Rai Radiotelevisione Italiana Raitre, Cinecittà Holding With the patronage of: International Asifa, Asifa Italia CREDITS OF THE DOCUMENTARY The Story of POP Italy, 2004, 44’ Realized by: Janus Produzioni Directed by: Gianluigi De Stefano Commented by: Luca Raffaelli Editing: Francesca Mor Production: Office for Peace in Jerusalem of the City of Rome, I Castelli Animati International Animated Film Festival, Municipality of Qalqilia, Municipality of Raanana With the collaboration of: Chamber of Commerce of Rome, Province of Rome, Rai Radiotelevisione Italiana Raitre, Cinecittà Holding With the patronage of: Asifa International, Asifa Italia HEBREW AND ARABIC VERSIONS Project: Gian Maria Turi, Eyal Presente, Paola Dal Lago Project coordination: Franco La Torre, Geriess Khoury, Gian Maria Turi Translations: Hala Khoury, Keren Millul Subtitles by: VSI-Israele Production: Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Haifa, Ufficio per la Pace a Gerusalemme del Comune di Roma
Contact email: info@paceofpeace.com This website was contributed by Elie Grouchko & Eran Eisen