Israeli and Palestinian Creatives Discuss Collaboration at Seriesly Berlin

Last week, a significant panel discussion took place at Seriesly Berlin, featuring Israeli and Palestinian creatives who shared their experiences with collaboration and creativity amidst ongoing conflict. The session, titled “Stories For Tomorrow: How Collaborative Palestinian And Israeli Writing Transforms Television,” was held on October 19, 2023, at Fotografiska in the German capital. This event, organized in association with the ALBI Fund’s Shared Society on the Small Screen program, aims to explore and expand the portrayal of identity on screen.

The panel included notable figures such as Arab-Israeli actor-director Yousef Sweid, the co-creators of Non-Issue, Palestinian-Israeli couple Nayef Hammoud and Gal Rosenbluth, Keren Michael, the ALBI program director and TV producer, and ALBI founder Libby Lenkinski. The discussion was moderated by Germany-based journalist Vivian Perkovic, who facilitated an open dialogue about the impact of violence in the region on their art and personal lives.

The audience, which filled the venue, experienced a range of emotions during the hour-long conversation, with many expressing tears, laughter, and deep reflection. The panelists discussed the challenges facing Palestine’s filmmaking industry, which has struggled to operate following nearly two years of Israeli bombings. Meanwhile, Israeli producers are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate a landscape where public sentiment is shifting against Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government.

This platform for dialogue was particularly welcomed, as it provided an opportunity for both sides to engage in meaningful conversation about their craft and shared experiences. The participants emphasized the importance of collaboration in overcoming barriers and fostering understanding between their communities.

Seriesly Berlin has garnered a reputation for featuring bold and thought-provoking discussions, distinguishing itself from other events with more conventional programming. The full panel discussion is available for viewing, showcasing the depth of conversation and the personal stories shared.

The event underscores the need for continued dialogue and collaboration in the face of ongoing challenges in the region, highlighting the resilience of artists striving to tell their stories through television.