WASHINGTON | A new documentary film called SEEDS, produced by independent filmmakers Marjan Safinia and Joseph Boyle on the Seeds of Peace Camp in Maine, will celebrate its World Premiere at the Opening Night Gala of the SILVERDOCS: AFI/Discovery Channel Documentary Festival in Silver Spring, Maryland, on June 15th, 2004 at 7 p.m.
Following the screening of the film, CNN’s Judy Woodruff will moderate a discussion with campers from the film, the filmmakers, and Seeds of Peace President and former U.S. State Department Arab-Israeli negotiator Aaron David Miller.
SEEDS features ten teenagers who undertake the challenge of coexisting with their ‘enemies’. Every summer, young leaders from four conflict regions meet at the Seeds of Peace Camp in Maine. For three life-changing weeks, they learn to share their dreams and fears, listen to opposing views, see beyond prejudices and, eventually, to respect each other as individuals as they attempt to build the one thing they all strive for: a future based on peace, prosperity and reconciliation.
During the summer of 2002, Seeds of Peace allowed SEEDS’ filmmakers unparalleled access to the summer camp to document the extraordinary program and the often difficult and painful journey through the eyes of the participants.
Said Miller, “While there are obviously many sensitivities and complexities involved in the four conflicts we follow involving different interpretations, viewpoints and perspectives, the film SEEDS provides a compelling and accurate assessment of our work and mission. We are excited about the release of this film so that more people can learn about and support the critical work we do empowering leaders of the next generation.”
SILVERDOCS 2004 will screen over 70 films drawn from more than 1,200 entries from 65 countries. The 2004 SILVERDOCS Festival will take place June 15-20 at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The week following the premiere of SEEDS, the 12th summer of the Seeds of Peace Camp in Otisfield, Maine, will begin with Israeli, Palestinian, Jordanian, Egyptian, Moroccan, Yemeni, Indian, Pakistani, Afghan and American youth. There will be over 175 campers during the camp’s first session, which will run from June 21 through July 14 and culminate in a trip to Washington, D.C., where campers will meet with US and international dignitaries.
Founded in 1993, Seeds of Peace focuses on the Middle East, but has expanded its programming to include young leaders from South Asia, Cyprus, and the Balkans. Its leadership network now encompasses over 2,500 young people from four conflict regions. Through its Camp in Maine, its Center for Coexistence in Jerusalem, international youth conferences, regional workshops, educational and professional opportunities, and adult educator programs, participants develop empathy, respect, and confidence as well as leadership, communication and negotiation skills all critical components that will ensure peaceful coexistence for the next generation.
For information on the film SEEDS, visit www.seedsthemovie.com. For information on SILVERDOCS, visit www.afi.com/afidocs/.