Knowledge Is the Beginning

Set against the backdrop of escalating violence in the Middle East, this documentary follows a unique collaboration between young musicians from both sides of the divide. The brainchild of Israeli conductor Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian writer Edward Said, the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, founded in 1999, has been a controversial project. Dedicated to fostering peaceful coexistence in the Middle East, the orchestra has been an overwhelming success, gaining the accolade the peace orchestra and furthering its founders’ hopes that music can promote understanding and tolerance of different beliefs and cultures. Director Paul Smaczny follows the orchestra from its creation; from the summer workshops to the 2005 European tour and Barenboim’s visit to Ramallah and Jerusalem in 2004. (DOK.fest München)