David and Layla: A love story Kurdiscinema.com / 8 July 2007 by Matthew, Peaceful Vanguard * The media has enormous power to break down stereotypes and open up new ways of regarding “the other.” When people experience emotion together, it seems to break down barriers. Movies, music, and other aspects of culture that can be mutually experienced and appreciated can begin new dialogue and perhaps, new relations. Although it’s not enough to forge a new era, it certainly can be a good beginning. There is a lot of rivalry in the Middle East between various groups. Intergroup trust is hard to come by these days. Personally, I am grateful for any history that our groups can fall back upon in order to create a context for cooperation rather than competition. Luckily, there has not been much conflict between Jews and Kurds. There are, I am sure, many reasons for this, but one of which is that Jews and Kurds never had to compete with each other for resources. Nevertheless, since Kurds are predominantly Muslim, and there is an obvious wedge between Muslims and Jews in many parts of the world, particularly in the Middle East due to the infiltration of politics into religion, religion itself has played a part creating divisions between segments of communities where ethnicity has not. It’s really sad if you think about it. There is no organic reason for Jews and Muslims to be at odds with each other if you take away politics.
artists amongst others. One movie, David & Layla, a modern Romeo & Juliet story, will soon be showing in Los Angeles. The movie has been out for about a year, but it’s funny and worth seeing. If you get a chance to rent it, see if you can do so. From Newroz films: DAVID & LAYLA is a film about an impossible romance that gets at the heart of the hypocritical stereotypes and illusions we all have about differing cultures and religions. David (David Moscow), a young Jewish man finds Layla (Shiva Rose McDermott), a beautiful “Kurdish” Muslim immigrant, and can’t get her off his mind. But her Kurdish culture doesn’t mix with his Upper East Side origins, and both lovers can’t help but mislead their families about one another as they try to begin their affair. A true comedy of errors ensues from temple to mosque, from perversion to conversion, and all the while their passions increase regardless of this unlikely affair.
faceted portrayals of conflict around the world. Every film in this program was made against industry odds, but with the belief that these stories, once viewed by audiences, would resonate with a potent message. Our mission is to utilize the power of cinema to increase awareness and understanding filmmakers from around the globe, who in the face of intense conflict, strive to illuminate the realities of the world around them—and thus foster the process of peace and conflict resolution through their vision and their art.” David & Layla in Los Angeles: 7/20/07 , Music Hall, Beverly Hills, CA * www.mideastyouth.com |
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