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Bassam, Sharon, Aziz and Zohar are Israeli and Palestinian by birth. Their situation “branded” them doubly, as “victims” and “aggressors” at the same time.
Our story is set at the very heart of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. More than any other conflict, this particular one resembles a set of broken mirrors where the one who suffers might well be the oppressor of the other… In fact, « Beyond the Wall » is a universal story – that of forgiveness.
The film’s four protagonists have suffered through personal loss. Two of them – a Palestinian and an Israeli woman – both lost brothers in the conflict. The two others were involved in the fighting - one of them as commander of the Special Forces of the Israeli Army, the other as leader of the Fatah during the first Intifada.
All four of them have experienced periods of anger and despair before they were able to overcome the wall of hatred and fear. They were torn between their own conscience and the reality of the conflict and mutual denial. Our four protagonists made choices that were perceived as radical – one step short of treason – which caused a rift or even a total break in their relations with friends and family. However, they knew this was a challenge worth fighting for: to make a partner of their enemy!
The construction of the wall continues, inexorably, transforming the emotional and ideological barrier between two peoples into a reality of armed concrete. But what is this emotional barrier exactly made of? This film tries not only to comprehend, but looks for the breaks in the wall, the secret passages that lead “Beyond the Wall”.
The stories of the four central characters are told in a chronological structure. Born out of anger and pain, their sentiments are at first focused on confronting the enemy. Gradually, however, certainties fade and crumble, a dawning realisation that has led them to actively take a step towards “the other”, to begin a dialogue and acknowledge that in their suffering, they are all victims…
Festivals and Awards:
"Best Documentary", International Euro Arab Film Festival AMAL 2007, Santiago de Compostella