Exploring the aftermath: A new documentary on the Middle East conflict
A deep dive into the cycle of violence
The Beetz Brothers, a renowned German production company, has joined forces with ZDF to create a compelling feature-length documentary titled “Hurt People Hurt People, October 7 and its Aftermath.” This film delves into the repercussions of the Hamas attack in Israel and the ongoing cycle of violence in the Middle East.
A powerful collaboration
“Hurt People Hurt People” marks another collaboration between the Beetz Brothers, part of Mediawan-owned Leonine Studios, and Israeli producer and filmmaker Duki Dror of Zygote Films. Their previous project, “Supernova: The Music Festival Massacre,” chronicled the tragic events at a music festival in Southern Israel, where 365 attendees were killed, hundreds were wounded, and 40 were kidnapped into Gaza. This documentary has been broadcast in over 50 countries and has been featured at festivals in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Marking a somber anniversary
Timed to coincide with the one-year commemoration of the Hamas massacre and the onset of the war in Gaza on October 7, 2023, “Hurt People Hurt People” is directed by Jens Strohschnieder and Mathias Marx from Germany, alongside Dror from Israel. The 90-minute film combines eyewitness reports from Israel and Gaza with insights from leading trauma specialists and Middle East experts. It explores how Israel’s full-scale war aimed at destroying Hamas in Gaza has triggered a deep Palestinian trauma, harking back to the expulsion of 1948.
The impact of media and perception
Reinhardt Beetz, a producer at Beetz Brothers, reflects on the broader implications of the conflict: “Ignorance is the companion of nationalism and excessive patriotism. The immediacy of images, their supposed authenticity, floods public perception with fabricated realities. The horrific Hamas terrorist attack on October 7 was a history-altering event.”
Beetz continues, “One year later, we are only beginning to recognize its global impacts. For Israelis and Palestinians, it opened Pandora’s box, deeply embedded in their collective memory. The ongoing cruel war foreshadows a bleak future, marked by a lack of reconciliation and empathy, driven by fear, hatred, and survival instincts.”
A divided land
While filming in the Middle East, Strohschnieder observed a palpable sense of division: “I felt as though a black veil had descended over the land in Israel, creating two separated worlds. The mood in the West Bank was as depressingly similar as in Israel.”
Back in Europe, the war in Gaza has sparked heated debates, occasionally leading to anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim riots. Dror emphasizes the importance of viewing the events of October 7 through the lens of trauma: “This perspective allows us to move beyond the binary and divisive political discourse that usually leads nowhere.”
A narrative for reflection
Dror adds, “For us, this is the first step in creating a narrative that both sides can reflect on, recognizing the tragic spiral they are locked in.”
“Hurt People Hurt People” will premiere worldwide on Deutsche Welle channels at the beginning of October, following its European premiere on the French-German network Arte on September 24. Deutsche Welle holds the worldwide distribution rights for the film. The documentary is produced by Beetz Brothers with Zygote Films, in co-production with ZDF, in collaboration with Arte and Deutsche Welle.
Watch the trailer
For those interested in getting a glimpse of this powerful documentary, you can watch the trailer for Hurt People Hurt People.
Personal reflections
As a cinema and TV series enthusiast, this documentary offers a profound exploration of a deeply complex and emotionally charged topic. The collaboration between German and Israeli filmmakers brings a unique perspective, blending firsthand accounts with expert analysis. The film’s approach to viewing the conflict through the lens of trauma provides a fresh and necessary angle, moving beyond the often polarizing political discourse.
For those who appreciate in-depth documentaries that challenge perceptions and provoke thought, “Hurt People Hurt People” is a must-watch. It not only sheds light on the immediate impacts of the conflict but also delves into the historical and psychological underpinnings that continue to shape the region’s future.
In a world where media often simplifies complex issues, this documentary stands out for its nuanced and empathetic portrayal of a conflict that has far-reaching implications. Whether you are a seasoned follower of Middle Eastern affairs or new to the topic, “Hurt People Hurt People” promises to be an enlightening and impactful viewing experience.