Olive Branch Productions

Understanding. Compassion. Respect.

      Successful communication between entities, be them entire countries or simply two people, cannot exist without the abovementioned components. People often react to situations without taking the time to comprehend another’s viewpoint. This is not only a counter-productive method of problem solving, but its repercussions have the ability to heighten animosity between two parties. The severity of world issues is growing drastically, and there is little to indicate otherwise. Considering this, when combined with an increasing inability to perceive scenarios from the same plane, our failure to empathize could potentially lead to our downfall.

      Although lifestyles are visibly different across the globe, there are certain things that unite people as people, disregarding classifications based on race or religion. Though politics and priorities differ, there is a deeper, more spiritual bond that connects the human race. Relationships are unduly strained because of different ethnicities or a history of ancestral war. If only there could exist a world where the only things that mattered was the content of the soul and the strength of the spirit. If only a time would arrive when we could see past the skin, hear past the accent, and go past the boundaries the world has set.

      ‘If only’ is a wish, and only sometimes wishes do come true. For those other times when they do not, it is up to the individuals to create the world they long to see. It is up to us, as one people sharing the same sun, to disrobe our restrictions and unite for a time of tranquility. When these desires plague minds, both young and old, a conduit through which they can be expressed is desired. When a sight too beautiful for words is seen, when a moment too powerful for the page is felt, it is film that provides us with the humble attempt at capturing that essence.

Knowledge. Empowerment. Action.

      Education is not limited to particular mediums, but is rather enhanced when it can be conveyed in a variety of ways. The many people who are not fortunate enough to attend institutions of higher learning must seek out other methods to receive information. In addition to receiving, they must also find alternative means to share their views. Films enable people to do this and have the capacity to change the way the world observes itself.

      Though it seems that films today are created for either enjoyment or education, the two are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the most potent pieces of work are those that encompass both, that entertain the viewer and alter their perception of reality, even if for an evening. An overabundance of films of flash and flesh can potentially produce apathy, not deliberate, but as a result of ignorance. In the world in which we live today, there are things more important than that. There are things worth living for. More importantly, there are things worth dying for.

      Olive Branch Productions was founded with the desire to be a catalyst for change in the world. Not limited to a language or land, we pride ourselves on our noble ventures and seek out projects that provide insight into a world to which others may not be privy. Olive Branch does not intend to distract viewers from reality, but rather attempts to make foreign issues domestic. We wish to reveal universal kindness as a healing stroke between socially-torn creatures. We are not content with the way of the world and will do everything within our power to create a more peaceful existence, and to extend the olive branch from our souls.

      Reality is becoming a strange and, often times, scary place. It is at this point in time, as the world outside greatly contrasts the one on television, when we must exploit the full capacity of both the film and television mediums. It seems as though we no longer have control over our universe, but rather, are merely presented with a kaleidoscope of false imagery from the media. There now seems to be a long overdue need for something, anything to reawaken our senses and thrust us back into reality.  

     According to the latest numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 81.5 million people between the ages of twenty (20) and forty (40) are estimated to live in the United States. In Europe, the number is 177,972,203. In South America, it is 157,342,069. The reason why these numbers are so important is because the questioning of one’s worth, of one’s purpose, has neither physical nor cultural boundaries. Subsequently, there is a certain degree of angst that is brewing within the lower end of this age bracket, to which older generations are not privy. It is important to get a pulse on today’s younger society, for it is we who are poised to take over our governments and businesses, and we who are the social conscience of our future.

     As the aforementioned population enters the workforce, many simply redeposit their earnings into the cyclical nature of consumerism. In an attempt to attain the lifestyles that are portrayed in the media, they purchase lavish, and equally extraneous, items and spend wantonly in bars and clubs. What society fails to realize are the implications of what they covet. From Sierra Leone diamonds to South American drugs to Middle Eastern oil, it costs the ultimate price, that being the death of many people. It is understandable, however, that more and more people are attempting to emulate what they see, for there is no form of entertainment that questions the superficial existence. Is it fear? Is it cowardice? Is it a failure of preceding generations to accurately introduce their children to the charitable nature in all of us?

      What happened to the time when heroes were judged by their deeds?

      What happened to our heroes?

     I’m a Jewish American. My partner, Sam, is a Muslim American of Palestinian descent. One of my dearest friends is a Muslim from Iran. One of Sam’s dearest friends is Jewish girl from Israel. In the eyes of much of the world, we should not be friends. Moreover, we are expected to be sworn enemies. However, there is a whole world that exists outside what the government and press want us to believe. It is there, we just have to be willing to see it. Beyond that, if we truly desire this to happen, we might just be able to give the country, and hopefully the world, a sense of morality.

-Heart and Mind,

Zak and Sam