James Cameron Joins Palestinian-Israeli Doc ‘There Is Another Way’ as Exec Producer (EXCLUSIVE)

Award-winning filmmaker James Cameron has agreed to oversee the production of “Another Path Forward,” a 67-minute documentary detailing the efforts of a community-led coalition of Palestinians and Israelis who are collaborating peacefully to construct a social framework aimed at resolving conflict and ending occupation.

The movie that’s been shown at various international film festivals is set to debut in cinemas in San Francisco and San Rafael, California, on March 13th.

The Film ‘Another Way’ by Stephen Apkon focuses on Combatants for Peace, a unique coalition formed by ex-enemy fighters hailing from Israel and Gaza. Despite the ongoing conflict, they strive for peace through active listening and empathy. The movie delves into the hurdles this group encounters in their pursuit of peace post the destruction and intensifying clashes of October 7, 2023 and the Gaza war.

Cameron asserts that the phrase “There is Another Way” initiates a crucial discussion, one that necessitates an empathetic, humanitarian perspective – one that recognizes the inherent humanity in all individuals and promotes progress in a thoughtful, compassionate manner. This approach is essential for upholding peace, fostering hope, safeguarding human rights, preserving human dignity, and ultimately maintaining our own sense of self-worth as civilized beings, according to him. Revenge is not the answer, but a path leading downwards; it never solves problems. The characters in the film exemplify this. Another way exists. The film resonated with me due to its portrayal of humanity, offering a beacon of hope amidst a seemingly unyielding conflict. It rekindled my belief in our species’ capacity for change.

The document is a continuation of Apkon’s 2016 movie titled “Disturbing the Peace,” which portrays a team consisting of ex-Israeli soldiers from top units and Palestinian combatants, several of whom spent lengthy periods in prison, coming together to challenge established norms.

Titled “There Is Another Way,” this narrative unfolds against the backdrop of both Israel and Gaza, portraying the tumultuous and violent ordeals that have befallen Palestinians and Israelis for more than seven decades.

As a fervent advocate, I find the concept of ‘There Is Another Way’ profoundly impactful. This notion encapsulates the essence of our shared humanity – encompassing our potential for both conflict and harmony, pain and compassion – all within a single sphere. It’s not just about Israel and Palestine; it transcends geographical boundaries and is a universal challenge we face in numerous regions. What makes this idea so crucial is that it provides a platform to engage in deep, honest dialogues about the choices we make and their consequences.

Regarding the proposed Gaza takeover by President Trump, I firmly believe that forcibly displacing over two million individuals from their homes can only be described as ethnic cleansing. This action violates fundamental human rights, international law, and the best interests of everyone in the region, as well as our collective sense of humanity.

Despite being only slightly over an hour long, the director considers this movie as full-length and theater owners are welcoming it that way. Post-screening, there’s an opportunity for viewers to listen to a 15-minute conversation with the film’s cast members which is pre-recorded. The documentary debuts in Los Angeles theaters on March 20th, and it will have a subsequent release in New York City theaters at the end of March.

According to Apkon, we’re arranging a worldwide movie tour, which includes university campuses, and we’ll be accompanied by the people featured in the film – Israeli and Palestinian members of Combatants for Peace – for discussions following the screenings.

Apart from Cameron, both Maria Wilhelm, who serves as President and COO at Cameron’s Avatar Alliance, and acclaimed Irish author Colum McCann are now attached to the project as executive producers for this documentary.

In the film “There is Another Way”, Wilhelm suggests that the fear, pain, and confusion portrayed often lead you to pick a side. However, he questions what if there are no sides, no distinct groups? What if everyone is part of the same human family? He wonders how we should approach conflicts when our shared humanity is the only division. There’s another way, Wilhelm asserts, but we must consciously choose it.

McCann points out that the movie is remarkably relevant, addressing the concept of the “possible” amidst the seemingly “impossible.” It’s captivating because it encapsulates and sustains paradoxes. It offers reasons to be hopeful despite the evidence against it. It suggests that there are still compassionate individuals in the world… Just like any great film should, it disturbs us and challenges our preconceived notions. Moreover, it portrays human beings as they truly are – complex souls on a quest for understanding.

Watch the trailer below:

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2025-02-20 00:47