Disturbing the Peace

Filmmakers Stephen Apkon and Andrew Young's documentary looks at Combatants for Peace, a sociopolitical advocacy group created by Israelis and Palestinians, which pushes for a nonviolent reconciliation that has eluded Middle East leaders for decades. The movement's most prominent figures detail the life-altering emotional events that made them turn away from violence as members of the Israeli Defense Force and the Palestinian intifadas. The film also provides a quick overview of historical events that shaped the contemporary Holy Land, and examines the difficulties faced by Palestinians who live under Israeli military occupation in the West Bank. Combatants for Peace attempts to offer a platform where Israelis and Palestinians can speak to each other about the concerns and hopes carried by each side, but it has united warring factions in one unfortunate way: both the wider Israeli and Palestinian populations are not supportive of its goals. Disturbing the Peace offers a rueful assessment of the major challenges to ending the friction in the Middle East, while still holding out hope that the goal is not impossible. Recommended. [Note: this is also available with public performance rights for $350 from Bullfrog Films, www.bullfrogfilms.com.] Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)