Filmmaker Amos Gitai discusses art, identity, and peace with Martin Weiss, President and CEO of Salzburg Global Seminar
For Amos Gitai, renowned Israeli filmmaker and artist, an art career was not initially in his plans. Celebrated today for his documentaries and feature films that explore complex social and political issues, his artistic journey was unexpectedly sparked by a traumatic event from his youth.
The pivotal day occurred during the Yom Kippur War on October 11, 1973, when Amos experienced a near-death helicopter crash which changed his perspective on life. He explained, “When I was twenty-three years of age, my mission as part of the rescue team deployed as a young student in the army ended abruptly when my helicopter was shot down by a Syrian missile”.
Amos sustained serious injuries from the helicopter crash, which required a lengthy hospital stay. During this time, a friend who was a painter suggested that he release emotions through painting; what followed was an intense month of incredible painting in various formats, but he recalled, “I put it aside and never followed it up again”.
As a young adult, Amos' family relationships played crucial roles in fostering his interest in the arts. Reflecting on his father’s influence, he shared, “My father was an architect of the Bauhaus School. After he passed away, I had no idea what to study and so I delved into architecture for nine years. In retrospect, I pursued architecture as a way of connecting with him."
Despite his lack of formal training in the arts, Amos found his own path. “I never stepped into any theater or art school,” Amos noted. Today, he is well known for his wide variety of work in filmmaking, spanning across feature and short films, fiction and documentaries, experimental work, television productions, installations, and theater works.
When asked about the role of arts in current affairs, Amos explained, “Art plays a crucial role in preserving memories, serving as souvenirs of our experiences. My goal is to engage the audience as interpreters. Art does not change the reality.” He added, “I hope that someday we can embrace the idea of dialogue between Israel and Palestine, even in these very dark times.”
One of Amos’ most well-known works, the 1980 documentary film “House”, exemplifies his dedication to examining and confronting the conflict between Israel and Palestine. “The film was met with great animosity,” Amos commented, reflecting on the contentious reception it received from various communities. Despite the backlash, “House” is a critical piece that pushes viewers to engage with the challenging realities of the region. This documentary not only cemented his reputation as a fearless filmmaker but also underscored his commitment to using art as a platform for dialogue and understanding.
Amos believes in the necessity of mutual acceptance for societal growth. He expressed his belief that “we always need one another in society for us to thrive. As humans, we ought to accept one another, not by giving up our identity but by accommodating our differences.” His commitment to promoting peace through mutual acceptance is evident in his films, which frequently tackle the difficult issues of identity and cohabitation, urging us to embrace our individuality.
Reflecting on lessons from architecture, Amos stressed the significance of forming inclusive communities and promoting heterogeneity to foster authentic human relationships. “Arts holds the power to unify people as its role is to simulate human relationships. The world is not unilateral; we need each other for coexistence,” he shared. He further revealed that in his work, he includes individuals from various backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of diverse representation in simulating human interactions.
Amos' artworks, driven by a commitment to exploring and confronting social and political issues, highlight the power of art to preserve memories, foster dialogue, and promote mutual acceptance. His fearless approach to filmmaking challenges viewers to engage with difficult realities and consider their own contributions to creating a more inclusive and peaceful world. This is a testament to the enduring potential of art to bridge divides and inspire societal growth through an understanding of differences.
