Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra
Together musician Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian literary theorist Edward Said pursued the seemingly utopian idea of peaceful coexistence in the Middle East. The two founded the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra in 1999, bringing together young musicians from Israel, Palestine, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and Europe. Director Paul Smaczny followed this special orchestra for seven years, from its beginnings in Weimar all the way to its triumphant concert in Ramallah in the summer of 2005.
KNOWLEDGE IS THE BEGINNING is not simply a musical portrait of young idealists. The film also illustrates the difficulties faced by the young musicians, and how the wider political realities impact their everyday lives and work. Following their rehearsals and concert tours, the youths must return to a world shaped by bombings and military attacks, in which the citizens of neighbouring countries are frequently considered enemies. The tension they are subjected to in their work is enormous, as the surrounding context of political standoff is ever present and continually seeps into their discussions outside of rehearsals. Nevertheless, their shared goal gives rise to a completely unique dialogue that transcends the boundaries of ideology.
Despite countless organizational and political hurdles, the orchestra achieved the impossible by playing in Palestine in 2005. The live concert from Ramallah drew worldwide attention, reaching far beyond musical circles. Smaczny’s film has received numerous international awards.
