What would the world be like  if we  viewed it through the eyes of a child? Watch this clip from Promises, a story told by 7 Palestinian and Israeli children living in Jerusalem.

t21 interviewed filmmaker Justine Shapiro and asker her this:

t21: What do you hope viewers will take away from it?

” Viewers are surprised to find themselves laughing so much when they watch Promises. This is not your typical “children of war” film. These kids are funny and so direct. When we were filming, these kids were ages nine through eleven. At this age they were not self-conscious or concerned with coming off as “cool.” In many respects they are parroting their elders, which provides a fascinating insight into the mindset of those around them. Their spontaneity, candor and wisdom comes across very quickly in this film.A lot of people have grown numb to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. They shake their heads, throw up their hands, as if to say, ‘Why bother… It’s just a mess.’ But it’s so, so, so, so important that people continue to care. And the news media doesn’t really inspire one to care. The news media mostly leaves us feeling hopeless and disconnected. I hope this film connects people to these seven Palestinian and Israeli children. These kids are great characters. It’s impossible not to connect with them, and perhaps even love some of them, and in this way I hope this film reminds people of the great stakes in this conflict – the lives and futures of these young people. When people read the news about the conflict I want them to think of the kids in our film.”

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