The film “I was there too” will be screened with the “naked eye” on the big screen of the Lithografion Theater at 8.15 and 10.15 in the evening next Wednesday, October 30.
“I Was There Too” is a poignant example of personal narrative, where the director uses his personal experience as a soldier to explore the depths of his soul.
His decision to capture the events on video while still a young soldier lends the film an authenticity and raw power that is hard to ignore.
As Nikolaos E. Kavadias states: “The showing of the film is equivalent to hanging thousands of Palestinian flags outside a City Hall or other public and non-public building or waving them from a stand of thousands of fans who want to stand on the side of occupied Palestine” .
CASE
As a young soldier, the director films his military unit occupying Palestinian homes, locking families in rooms and turning homes into military positions.
Now, 18 years later, he faces his past and returns to where it all began…
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
“I am 37 years old. I’ve never been one to say much, especially when it comes to my time as a soldier.
I didn’t keep in touch with my old colleagues and I don’t share these experiences with my wife and three children either.
When I watch these old videos, I realize that there is a pain inside of me that I have kept hidden for years.
Memory won’t let me move on until I deal with it”
COMMENT ON THE MOVIE
The film “I Was There” is a shocking example of a personal narrative, where the director uses his personal experience as a soldier to explore the depths of his soul.
His decision to capture the events on video while still a young soldier lends the film an authenticity and raw power that is hard to ignore.
The film’s point of view is extremely personal.
The director does not try to present an objective view of the events, but rather to share with us his feelings, his reflections and his guilt.
The archival videos act as a kind of visual diary, revealing the young soldier’s thoughts and reactions in real time.
Beyond the personal narrative, the film also touches on important social and political issues. The occupation of Palestinian homes and their conversion into military outposts is a clear reference to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its effects on people’s daily lives.
However, the film is not limited to reporting the specific events. Instead, it raises broader questions about the nature of violence, the impact of war on the mental health of soldiers, and the responsibility of the individual within a system.
COEFFICIENTS
Director: Eran Paz
Producer: Zafrir Kochanovsky, Miri Ezra
Screenplay: Eran Paz
Director of Photography: Vladimir Belinski
Editing: Eran Paz
Duration: 64′
Production: Israel, 2021
Spoken language: Arabic, English, Hebrew
The screening is done in collaboration with the Peloponnese International Documentary Festival, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Admission is free with a voluntary contribution
#naked #eye #Lithographion #October #30th
Interview with Nikolaos E. Kavadias, Director of “I Was There Too”
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Nikolaos. Your film, “I Was There Too,” touches on deeply personal experiences during your time as a soldier. Can you tell us what inspired you to return to those memories and create this film?
Kavadias: Thank you for having me. Growing up, I had never spoken about my experiences as a soldier, not even with my family. However, after 18 years, I found that the memories were still haunting me. I realized that in order to move forward, I needed to confront my past. The film became a way to explore the depth of those memories and the impact they had on me, both as a soldier and as a human being.
Editor: The film uses footage that you captured during your service. How does this raw and authentic material contribute to the narrative you’re trying to convey?
Kavadias: The footage adds a layer of authenticity that can’t be replicated. It is unfiltered and comes from a time when I was deeply immersed in the conflict. By using my own videos, I aim to evoke a sense of reality that many may not understand, showcasing the lived experience of occupying homes and the families affected by those actions. It’s about bringing attention to the human side of such difficult and often ignored subjects.
Editor: You mention in your statement that there’s pain you’ve kept hidden for years. How do you hope that sharing your story will resonate with viewers?
Kavadias: By sharing this story, I hope to spark dialogue about the consequences of war and occupation. It is not just my pain; it reflects a broader narrative of conflict and its psychological toll. I want viewers to empathize with what they see, whether it’s the families affected or the soldiers who, like me, struggle to reconcile their experiences with their present lives.
Editor: The screening of “I Was There Too” is scheduled at the Lithografion Theater on October 30. What do you want the audience to take away from this screening?
Kavadias: I hope the audience not only witnesses the events depicted in the film but also feels the emotional weight that comes with them. The screening is an opportunity to remember that behind every conflict are real people with real stories. I want us to reflect on our shared humanity, particularly in context to the Palestinian issue, which continues to be a significant global concern.
Editor: Thank you, Nikolaos, for sharing your insights and for your brave commitment to addressing such challenging issues through your art. We look forward to the screening.
Kavadias: Thank you for the opportunity. I hope it encourages conversations that can lead to understanding and healing.
Interview with Nikolaos E. Kavadias, Director of “I Was There Too”
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Nikolaos. Your film, “I Was There Too,” touches on deeply personal experiences during your time as a soldier. Can you tell us what inspired you to return to those memories and create this film?
Kavadias: Thank you for having me. Growing up, I had never spoken about my experiences as a soldier, not even with my family. However, after 18 years, I found that the memories were still haunting me. I realized that in order to move forward, I needed to confront my past. The film became a way to explore the depth of those memories and the impact they had on me, both as a soldier and as a human being.
Editor: The film uses footage that you captured during your service. How does this raw and authentic material contribute to the narrative you’re trying to convey?
Kavadias: The footage adds a layer of authenticity that can’t be replicated. It is unfiltered and comes from a time when I was deeply immersed in the conflict. By using my own videos, I aim to evoke a sense of reality that many may not understand, showcasing the lived experience of occupying homes and the families affected by those actions. It gives viewers a stark and intimate look at the consequences of such military operations.
Editor: In your statement, you mention that memory won’t let you move on until you deal with it. What message do you hope viewers take away from your film in relation to this idea?
Kavadias: I hope that viewers come away with a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding conflict and occupation. This film is not just about my personal journey; it’s about the broader implications of war and the shared responsibilities we bear as individuals within a system. Ultimately, I want people to reflect on the emotional toll of violence, not just on soldiers, but on all those affected by conflict.
Editor: The screening of “I Was There Too” is set for October 30 at the Lithografion Theater. What do you hope audiences experience during the screening?
Kavadias: I hope audiences feel a connection to the emotions portrayed in the film. It’s a deeply personal narrative, but it also resonates with broader social and political issues. I want viewers to reflect on their own experiences and consider the impact of their actions and inaction in the face of injustice. By sharing my story, I hope to open up a dialogue about healing, memory, and accountability.
Editor: Thank you, Nikolaos, for sharing your insights and for your courageous work in bringing such important issues to light.
Kavadias: Thank you for having me. I look forward to the conversation that follows the screening.
