By Miriam Bell
Building bridges with art and culture is a time-honoured tradition. It could be a partnership between musicians from countries in conflict, or a fine art exhibition aiming to break down the gap between different parts of the world. Whatever the form, the arts can serve to create empathy, understanding and identification in situations where it might not otherwise exist.In this sense, the signing of a film co-production agreement between New Zealand and Israel in March represents a new beginning. It will be a bridge between the two countries who have, at times, had a somewhat troubled past relationship.The film co-production agreement comes hot on the heels of the 2015 film, “Atomic Falafel” – a madcap, fast-paced satire about the Israel-Iran nuclear showdown with a pro-peace message. The movie, which was a co-production between Israel, New Zealand and Germany, grossed the highest ever box office numbers for a domestic film in Israel. Signed in Wellington by New Zealand’s Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Maggie Barry and Israeli Ambassador Yosef Livne, the agreement covers film, TV animation and digital productions. It means that film makers from Israel and New Zealand will have increased access to funding and incentives in both countries.
Read more: Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council | AIR New Zealand: Moving Pictures to Open Doors
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