Blessed Are The Peacemakers: One Man’s Journey to the Heart of Palestine

 

Trailer for “Blessed Are the Peacemakers” from Andrew E. Larsen on Vimeo.

We’ve finished, for now! Our movie about peacemaking traces my journey to the Holy Land (including Israel & the West Bank) to tell the story of people in this mysterious and often misunderstood part of the world. My producer posits this as an observation–“what Andrew has learned serves as a lesson to us all; if you have enough love in your heart and you can visualize peace–it just might happen.” That truly is my hope.

Of course we need to brag a little. It’s part of promoting our movie, right? Anyway, we both bring extensive experience in visual storytelling and peacemaking. John has won 17 Emmys for his work in broadcast television and news, while my photography has landed in many publications including the National Geographic. I’m also invited to speak and consult with churches across the country on peacemaking, bridge building between communities and also my work in photography as a spiritual discipline. With this movie, I dive into an area of prolonged controversy. Regardless of where you land in this conflict, I believe there is hope for peace when people find their better selves, and their stories are told. Please, contact me, Andy Larsen at [email protected] for more information or to request a screening!

We had around 175 show up for the movie premier on Friday night, January 29th–“Blessed are the peacemakers: One Man’s Journey to the Heart of Palestine!” Wow! In reading the response cards I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. It stirs my heart to tell the stories of peacemakers on the ground in one of history’s longest conflicts. Hats off to my community group from Quest Church for coming early to help set up, for staying on their feet helping serve our guests, and then staying late to clean up! It was an amazing evening.

We had live music by Nate Grossman, Palestinian food from the Aladdin Falafel Corner in the U district (go eat some schwarma when you’re in Seattle), some amazing conversation and overwhelming, positive feedback. We now also have some important questions from viewers that will guide the development of a companion study guide which follows.

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5 Comments

  1. Andy, I am curious to see the movie. The trailer is very well done and I trust the movie will be even better than the trailer. Looks like a lot of work on your part and many others as well.

    1. Author

      Thanks Fred. It’s been about 2 years in the making. Actually longer when you consider the relationships, trips, and coming to grips w the situation. Keep posted. I have someone working currently on my landing page. Then all the news, updates, companion study guide…and screenings will be posted. Congrats btw on your upcoming retirement friend!

  2. When will this be out?! I want to make sure I schedule a showing at my church.

  3. Hi Andy, I’m sorry that I missed the screening, it looks wonderful. A lot of hard work is paying off for you, not to mention the “inclusion of the Other”, and our brothers and sisters in Israel and the West Bank. Janice and I just recently returned home from a trip to Israel (our 2nd), and we were amazed at the progress and the lack there-of in the places that we visited. Looking forward to connecting at some point….Blessings on you!

    1. Author

      Hey Thomas. I’m screening the movie tonight at Pine Lake Covenant. This weekend at Bellingham Covenant. All I need is an invitation.

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