synopsis

OCCUPATIONS is a 52 minute documentary that follows the attempted branding of Combatants for Peace, a group of Palestinian and Israeli former fighters, by the New York based agency, Empax. The film focuses on members of the two organisations as they passionately communicate their ideologies across the raw nerve of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

This project, which started off as a small exercise in communications, grew rapidly drawing in substantial donations and over a hundred volunteers from Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, the US and Europe. Two filming crews were assembled, one following Combatants for Peace during their US tour of lectures, while the other followed Empax's team of graphic designers on their attempt to brand Combatants for peace. As the groups rejoined for the final presentation, the ideological intensity of the branding process became evident.

reviews

"I think this film will be like marmite, you'll either love it or hate it...."

Haim Litani, Film editor, London.

"It is a truly magnificent, poignant, thought–provoking + clever film. At once, it reveals the sometime emptiness + self–importance of my profession and the terrible realities of a never–ending conflict."

Garech Stone, Head of Man and Communication department and the Design Academy Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

"I just received and watched Occupations and my heart is pounding. The film is wonderful. And beautiful in the way it shot. So clear and relevant. The story it tells is horrible, and very well told."

Barbara Koltuv, Ph.D., Lic. Clinical. Psychology, New York.

"I was intrigued from the very first minute. The inherent and developing tensions around the table (in which the camera perspective allowed for a feeling of 'being there' in person) was truly fascinating from start till end. I liked the relatively laid back pace throughout the documentary as well as the highly accurate illustrations (cuts) and choice of music throughout the film. What I enjoyed most, perhaps, is the fact that the film refrained from too much explications, which invites the viewer to make an effort, and to make up his or her own mind.

In short, considering the highly emotional subject which is being explored in practically every way possible right now, I think this documentary gives a highly original, thought–provoking and identifiable picture of "the backbenches" of the conflict."

Arthur Huizinga, Producer of public events at Partizan Publik; Freelance editor and writer Amsterdam Area, the Netherlands.

Ehud Tal, Israel.

Ehud Tal was born in Tel Aviv, where he started his artistic career at a very early age designing posters, visual identities, book covers and information graphics. As a lieutenant in the IDF, he specialized in system analysis and workflow optimization. Moving to New York City in 2002, Ehud became the director of graphic production at the Consulate General of Israel, where he worked on number of projects including a campaign to rebrand the state of Israel. Ehud is now the senior graphic designer and creative director at Empax.

Yonatan Shapira, Israel.

Yonatan Shapira (Israeli member of Combatants For Peace) aged 34, was a Captain in the Israeli Air Force. He is now a military refuser and one of the founders of Combatants For Peace. Yonatan joined the Israeli Defense Force in 1991 and served as a regular in the Air Force until 1999, primarily flying as a rescue helicopter pilot, participating in many missions, including missions in Lebanon. In 2001, while a civilian pilot and member of the Reserves, Yonatan was called back to service to become one of the founding members of the Israel Air Force's new Black Hawk squadron, for which he received specialized training in the US Army. Following initiation of the squadron, he resumed his status in the reserves, serving as a pilot, operations leader and instructor. In September 2003, Yonatan, along with 26 other Air Force pilots, signed a declaration refusing to participate in attacks on populated areas in the Occupied Palestinian Territories because of the belief that these attacks are illegal, immoral and do not serve the security of Israel. After authoring and issuing the "Pilot's Letter" he was dismissed from the Israeli Air Force by the Air Force commander, General Dan Halutz. Since then Yonatan has been active in several anti–occupation groups, including Yesh–Gvul. As a volunteer, he works with groups such as SELA, the Israeli Crisis Management Center, dedicated to aiding new immigrants and victims of terror as well as Etgarim – Challenges as a sailing instructor for people with disabilities. Yonatan, currently working to complete a Masters' Degree under the auspices of The European Center for Peace and Conflict Studies (EPU), recently released his first musical recording.

Suliman Khatib, Palestine.

Parts from the personal story of Suliman al–Chatib as told in the "Combatants for Peace" gathering in Beit Jala, 16.06.2005

I am Suliman al–Chatib from the village of Chizme in northeast Jerusalem. I was raised in a family which was badly affected by the occupation and fought it, according to the outlook that the only possible solution is a military one. I joined the "Fatah" movement at the age of 12, and was involved in various actions, such as throwing stones, writing slogans, preparing Molotov Cocktails. This was in 1986, before the first Intifada. As Chen pointed out, it is very possible that people who are sitting here today were harmed by my actions. At the age of 14, I stabbed Israeli soldiers with a friend of mine. We were arrested. I was sentenced to 15 years in jail and my friend to 18 years. For the first two years, I was in the children's section in the Hebron jail, where the management and staff were extremely tough. Settlers from Kiryat Arba were among the jail staff, which made the situation more difficult and enhanced the suffering. There were many problems in this jail. For example, often there was a lack of drinking water, and of course there was not enough water for showers. Hitting prisoners, spraying tear gas into prison cells, and stripping prisoners were daily occurrences.

Later on I was transferred to the Janad jail, near Shechem, where I worked in the Jail's library. This provided me with an opportunity to read a lot, also about the history of the Jewish people. In fact I acquired my entire education and constructed my worldview in jail. I never went to university, but I did attend the learning groups in jail every day. This is when I started having new thoughts about the conflict and the means for resolving it.

In 1997, after 10 years and 5 months in jail, I was freed. The Beer Sheva jail was my last prison. In spite of numerous difficulties, such as the separation wall, the curfews, the settlements and more, some of us, who are here today, have established the Abu Sukar Center for Peace. We believe that combatants, who personally paid a price for their active involvement in the conflict, are the ones who can significantly change the situation.

Martin Kase, USA.

Martin is the founder and CEO of Empax, Inc. – a nonprofit design studio dedicated to furthering the goals and missions of other not–for–profits through better communication. He is also a professor at the NY School of Visual Arts for masters' candidates. Martin is a psychologist by training, and a former CEO of two apparel companies, Joe Boxer and Phat (Farm) Fashions. He is on the board of a number of other organizations as well, including Creative Time and the Tel Aviv Museum. He is a graduate of both Hebrew University and Columbia University.