Knowledge is the Beginning

Daniel Barenboim is not only one of the world's greatest symphony conductors, but also a first-class humanitarian. The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which he set up with Palestinian-American intellectual Edward Said in 1999, exists to foster international understanding among people in the Middle East through the regenerative power of music. Barenboim's orchestra includes young musicians from Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Spain, and Egypt. The group has performed around the world and even — against seemingly insurmountable odds — in Ramallah, Palestine. KNOWLEDGE IS THE BEGINNING is a moving film by Paul Smaczny, producer of numerous music documentaries. Smaczny documents the young musicians' hopes and fears, following them as they live together and learn compassion for each other, playing basketball, swimming, rehearsing in workshops, going on tour, and engaging in heated conversations. This film provides evidence that peace is possible in the Middle East, if only politicians would get out of the way and make room for musicians. (In Arabic, Hebrew and English with English subtitles) – BB