Promises (2001)

Several Jewish and Palestinian children are followed for three years and put in touch with each other, in this alternative look at the Jewish-Palestinian conflict. The three filmmakers ... See full summary »

Directors:

B.Z. Goldberg, Justine Shapiro

Writers:

B.Z. Goldberg, Stephen Most (consulting writer)

Stars:

Moishe Bar Am, B.Z. Goldberg, Shlomo Green

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 15 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Moishe Bar Am	...	Himself
B.Z. Goldberg	...	Himself
Shlomo Green	...	Himself (as Schlomo)
Sanabel Hassan	...	Herself
Faraj Adnan Hassan Husein	...	Himself
Mahmoud Mazen Mahmoud Izhiman	...	Himself
Daniel Solan	...	Himself
Yarko Solan	...	Himself

Storyline

Several Jewish and Palestinian children are followed for three years and put in touch with each other, in this alternative look at the Jewish-Palestinian conflict. The three filmmakers followed a group of seven local children between 1995 and 1998. They all have a totally different background. These seven children tell their own story about growing up in Jerusalem. Through this portrait of their generation, we see how deep rooted and almost insoluble the problems of the Middle East have become. When the protagonists speak out in an epilogue a couple of years later, it becomes apparent that all have lost their childlike innocence.

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Plot Keywords:

children | palestinian | child | boy | israel | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

PBS [United States] Promises Project [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English Arabic Hebrew

Release Date:

20 December 2001 (Netherlands)

Also Known As:

Promesas

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$11,138, 17 March 2002, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$243,769, 15 December 2002

Company Credits

Production Co:

Promises Film Project

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in The Holiday (2006)

User Reviews

Oscar snub

One of the most uplifing, hopeful and fulfilling documentaries I've seen in quite some time. Also one of the most depressing and frightening films I've seen. Explains the entire palestine/israel problem at its most basic, most pure level, children. Outstanding work.