New York Knicks basketball player Amar’e Stoudemire has joined as Executive Producer of the documentary feature, The Village of Peace, premiering at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Friday, January 31st at 10:00am.
The film explores the story of The African Hebrew Israelites, a community who migrated from Chicago to Israel in the late 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement and intertwines the story of four villagers to provide an in-depth and moving view into the community. Stoudemire and his production company STATosphere Productions collaborated with a team of young filmmakers to present the untold story of The Village of Peace to global audiences.
Stoudemire was first introduced to the project through Twitter, when producer Sam Schuder sent him the film trailer. Stoudemire was compelled by the story and arranged a meeting with the brothers, Sam and Ben Schuder, to view the rough stages of the film. After numerous meetings, Stoudemire came on board the project as Executive Producer, providing valuable input and support during the post-production process. Stoudemire had been to Israel numerous times and maintains a strong connection with the land and people.
“When I saw the rough cuts of The Village of Peace, I was immediately intrigued and wanted to share this story on the global stage,” said Amar’e Stoudemire.
About the Documentary Film The Village of Peace
The Village of Peace explores a community of African-Americans from Chicago, who in 1967 began a two-year migration to Dimona, Israel. The founders of the Village recount their epic journey from the backdrop of oppression and upheaval in Chicago, through the unfamiliar terrain of Liberia, to what they now call home in the Negev Desert. Approximately 300 people made the original migration. Today, more than 5,000 African-Hebrew Israelites live in Israel. The stories of four villagers are woven together to portray a community unlike any other, inspired by ancient scripture and a determination to live life in its purest form. Their unique culture evolves from an uncommon interpretation of the Torah (Hebrew Bible), mandating a life practice that includes polygamy, natural birth, veganism and a rigorous emphasis on health. Although the community is growing in numbers, recent immersion into the Israeli Army leaves the youth susceptible to outside influences. Ultimately we learn about the struggle to preserve the African Hebrew culture, and the challenges of passing their traditions to future generations.
For more information on the film visit: http://villageofpeacemovie.com/