Note from Ian Dunwoodie:
Dead Sea Guardians – Documentary at the Doc Edge Festival
You may already be aware of the controversy brewing around this film, which was nominated for Best Documentary Film at the Haifa International Film Festival in 2021, and the Doc Edge Festival itself.
An excellent press release by Dr Sheree Trotter, from the Indigenous Coalition for Israel, sets the scene. Here is the link:
Here’s more information from the Indigenous Coalition about the screening of the docoumentary…
Dr Sheree Trotter’s interview with the producers, and the story behind the documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_XL7UgJfLs
And here are her written comments about the interview: https://israelinstitute.nz/2022/06/interview-with-dead-sea-guardians-producers/
A rather one-sided article in the Dominion Post stirs the pot. Read it here: https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/128902298/calls-to-boycott-doc-edge-festival-over-embassy-of-israel-funding
So as to encourage the Festival organisers, I have sent the message below to Rachael Penman, general manager of the Doc EdgeFestival.
In case you want to send her a similar note, here is a link to their internal email system: https://docedge.nz/about/contact-us/.
And this link shows you the film’s trailer and provides information on how to buy tickets to the screening of the documentary: dates, price & locations: https://docedge.nz/festival22/film/dead-sea-guardians/
Screenings:
- Auckland: Saturday June 18
- Christchurch: Saturday June 25
- Wellington: Saturday July 2
At the Virtual Cinema: From Mon 20 Jun – Sun 10 Jul
It would be great (and maybe even important) to get a good turnout at each of the one-off screenings in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Could I suggest that you organize a group of five people to go? And that you buy the tickets on-line now?
To: Rachael Penman, General Manager
Doc Edge Festival
11 June 2022
Doco – Dead Sea Guardians
Dear Ms Penman
I have already bought a ticket to the Wellington screening of Dead Sea Guardians.
I am looking forward to hearing how a Jordanian, Palestinian and Israeli have united to confront an environmental danger affecting everyone in that region.
I have just read an account in today’s Dominion Post criticising the inclusion of the doco.
The article did not seem to be quite as balanced as it should be, and appeared only to quote people who were heavily critical of Israel. My view is different to the position that those individuals seem to hold.
I have a much more positive interpretation. I disagree with the way they have portrayed Israel and their take on events in the region.
It might have been helpful if the article had made reference to some other opinions. It would have felt more balanced.
I welcome and encourage involvement by the Israeli Embassy, and the other Embassies in their promotion of public dialogue and discussion.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to see this doco. I appreciate the position you have taken.
Yours sincerely,
Ian Dunwoodie
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[Note: I am sending out this email on my own initiative and in my own personal capacity. I have no relationship with the distributor of this documentary, and receive no financial gain related to its screening.]
