Variety has been granted exclusive access to the inaugural clip of "Why War," a poignant masterpiece penned and helmed by the esteemed Israeli filmmaker, Amos Gitai. This cinematic gem, adorned with the talents of Irène Jacob, Mathieu Amalric, Micha Lescot, and Jérôme Kircher, is set to grace the world stage with its premiere on August 31st at the prestigious Venice Film Festival, where it will shine brightly in the out-of-competition spotlight.
Drawing inspiration from the profound exchange of letters between Albert Einstein and Sigmund Freud, the film delves into the depths of human nature, exploring the elusive path towards averting the scourge of war. It further intertwines with Virginia Woolf's seminal work, "Three Guineas," which unravels the intricate web of power dynamics within sexuality, provoking a thought-provoking response in Susan Sontag's essay, "Regarding the Pain of Others," that meditates on the iconography of warfare.
In a heartfelt statement, Gitai reveals, "Amidst the devastating attack on October 7th, I found solace in revisiting timeless texts, seeking enlightenment and understanding the enigmatic urge within humanity to embrace conflict and destruction. In this quest, the Einstein-Freud correspondence emerged as a beacon of insight."
He continues, "This intellectual discourse between two luminaries not only extends my ongoing quest to unravel the secrets of averting armed conflicts but also embodies my vision of forging peaceful resolutions amidst vast ideological divides. Framing this extraordinary dialogue, I have crafted a poetic narrative where the horrors of war remain unseen, yet ever-present in the hearts and minds of its characters."
Gitai concludes with a poignant reflection, "Having traversed life amidst the divides of ethnicity, religion, and politics, I have steadfastly resisted being consumed by them. For me, cinema holds a civic duty—a mission I strive to embody in my craft. In a world where dialogue has grown increasingly elusive and polarization rampant, my film aims not to offer definitive answers but to ignite introspection within each of us. It is a call to question our own beliefs and motivations, reminding us that in the face of adversity, understanding and empathy remain our most powerful weapons."
"I aspire to forge bridges, not ignite them. As directors, and indeed, all artists alike, we must refuse to succumb to the shackles of division. Standing on the precipice of October 7th, amidst the simmering tensions in Israel, I was acutely aware of the explosive nature of our surroundings. Yet, this knowledge offered little solace to one who has long endeavored to bridge the gap between Israelis and Palestinians through the language of art – a mission I've relentlessly pursued in my films and theatrical endeavors for years. In ancient times, artists were revered as healers of souls, mending the fractures of the human spirit. I embrace this notion wholeheartedly, envisioning filmmakers and artists as modern-day balms, soothing the wounds of a divided world.
This film, a collaborative effort between Agav Films, Elefant Films, Gad Fiction, United King Films, Indiana Production, and Live and Survive, is yet another testament to my commitment. Through the years, I've proudly represented my craft on the prestigious stages of Venice, with films like 'Berlin-Jerusalem' (1989), 'Eden' (2001), 'Alila' (2003), 'Promised Land' (2004), 'Ana Arabia' (2013), 'Le dernier jour d’Yitzhak Rabin' (2015), and 'Laila in Haifa' (2020) competing for honors. Similarly, Cannes has witnessed my passion with 'Kadosh' (1999), 'Kippur' (2000), 'Kedma' (2002), and 'Free Zone' (2005) gracing its silver screen."
