Knowledge Is the Beginning

Overview

Knowledge is the Beginning is the story of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, where young Arabs and Jews perform and live side by side. It is a film about what music can do; the way it can transcend cultural barriers, bring people together, defeat prejudice and overcome religious and political differences. It also demonstrates the problems that crop up occasionally and how music can help people from different points of view find common ground. For Daniel Barenboim, founder of the ensemble, the orchestra is a symbol for what could be achieved in the Middle East.

Details

Status

Released

Release date

August 25, 2005

Original language

English

Spoken languages

Arabic, German, Spanish, Hebrew, English

Production

ZDF/Arte,EuroArts

Cast

Edward Said,Daniel Barenboim,Mustafa Barghouthi

Director

Paul Smaczny

Budget

Not recorded

Revenue

Not recorded

Homepage

Official site

IMDb

tt0832896