Watch East Jerusalem West Jerusalem

East Jerusalem West Jerusalem is a 2014 documentary that traces the remarkable collaborative journey of Israeli singer-songwriter David Broza and Palestinian musician and actress Mira Awad. The film is a testament to the power of music to break down barriers and create bridges between people divided by conflict and ideology. The film takes place over the course of eight days, during which Broza and Awad work together to record an album, which includes musicians from both Israel and Palestine. Broza, who has been a peace advocate for decades, envisioned the album as an opportunity to bring together musicians from both sides of the conflict to address the issues that affect them all. The album was recorded in East Jerusalem, in a studio located in a Palestinian neighborhood, a symbol of the tension between Israelis and Palestinians.

The movie provides a deep insight into the complex issues of identity, nationality, and political conflict in the region. Broza and Awad discuss the difficulties they faced working together, including their different backgrounds, languages, and political beliefs. The movie shows how deeply ingrained the intercultural prejudices and mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians can be, and how they can be overcome through music and personal relationships.

The film features interviews with a number of people, including musicians, artists, and activists, who share their perspectives on the conflict and the power of music. Some of the most moving moments of the movie take place when the musicians begin to play together, and the power of their collaboration becomes evident. The music serves as a universal language that transcends cultural differences and political boundaries, and the musicians are able to unite around the common goal of creating beautiful art.

One of the standout performances in the movie is a rendition of the classic song "Jerusalem of Gold," which was written by Israeli songwriter Naomi Shemer before the 1967 Six-Day War. The song has become a symbol of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with both sides claiming it as their own. In the movie, Broza and Awad perform the song together, with each of them singing in their respective languages, Hebrew and Arabic. The performance is a powerful symbol of the possibility of reconciliation and the importance of working together to create peace.

The movie is not without its challenges. At one point, tensions rise over the issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and it becomes clear that the musicians have very different perspectives on this controversial topic. The movie does not attempt to provide solutions to these complex issues, but rather highlights the importance of dialogue and understanding. Music, the movie suggests, can help to create the space for these conversations to take place.

East Jerusalem West Jerusalem is a powerful and moving documentary that provides a unique perspective on the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Through the lens of music, it shows how people can come together and overcome deep-seated cultural and political differences. The film is a testament to the power of art to create change, and is a must-see for anyone interested in the relationship between music, politics, and social change.

East Jerusalem West Jerusalem is a 2014 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.