“Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.” - Mahatma Gandhi
As part of its vision to empower people to create a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world, the Skoll Foundation has partnered with the Global Catalyst Foundation to sponsor the Gandhi Project in the Palestinian Territories.
The initiative promotes the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, a social entrepreneur who stood against occupation by practicing peaceful resistance and civil disobedience, by showing the epic film Gandhi in cities, villages and refugee camps throughout the Palestinian Territories. The movie, which won nine Academy Awards in 1982, including one for “Best Picture,” was dubbed into Arabic by award-winning Palestinian director Hanna Elias.
Celebrating Gandhi's work
The project dovetails with the Skoll Foundation’s support of social entrepreneurs who are addressing critical challenges of our time, one of which is peace and security, and its goal of celebrating the work of established social entrepreneurs.
Since April 2005, when the Arabic-dubbed version of Gandhi premiered at the Cultural Palace in Ramallah, the film has been shown in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron and on the wall at the Qalandia checkpoint, which marks the border between the Palestinian Territories and Israel. Additional screenings are planned in the city of Jenin for the public, as well as youths from 18 schools who are part of the Children’s Municipal Council.
The Gandhi Project aims to reach the public and, in particular, youths, teachers, peace coordinators, women’s groups and members of nongovernmental organizations. In addition to screening the film, it provides educational and community projects designed to advance peaceful resistance, self-reliance, economic development and local empowerment.
Note: Although the Skoll Foundation is sponsoring The Gandhi Project, it is not considering proposals for any other film projects at this time.
Click on the play icon below to view a clip dubbed in Arabic from the film.
Click on a photo below to see scenes from the screening of Gandhi on the wall at the Qalandia checkpoint between the Palestinian Territories and Israel.
Filmed by Sir Richard Attenborough, Gandhi is an engrossing look at the life of Mahatma K. Gandhi, who introduced the doctrine of nonviolent resistance to the colonized people of India and was a key figure in gaining independence for his nation.
Sir Ben Kingsley, winner of the Best Actor Academy award for this role, is magnificent as Gandhi as he evolves over the course of the three-hour film from a small-time lawyer to a national leader of Indian independence and an international symbol of peaceful social movements.
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