CPC member Mark Solomon with director Jeremy Gilley after the morning rehearsal

Peace Film Draws Enthusiastic Response In Los Angeles

by Mark Solomon

More than two hundred Los Angelenos rose to their feet to applaud the gala premiere of "Peace One Day" on September 1st at the Harmony Gold Theater in Hollywood. The filmmaker, Jeremy Gilley, who flew in from London for the event, was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from a highly diverse LA audience.

Jeremy Gilley (right) with Father Alexi, local religious leader

Among the distinguished attendees were Father Alexi, the president of the Interreligious Council of Southern California, Dr. Jamil Momand, Chair of the Islamic Center of Southern California, representatives of the Vedanta Society, Buddhist Centers, the International Humanities Center, along with other ministers and community leaders. Mary Hoover, head librarian for the LA Unified School District was there, and a karate teacher, Amir Khalighi, brought his class of young students. Many creative personalities from the film and music world attended, as well as friends and family, young and old. CPC members Maurice and Ariana Attie came as volunteers and brought their partners as well.

Amir Khalighi (second from right) with Team Karate after the screening

A lively question and answer session followed the screening. Mr. Gilley graciously thanked the Center for Peace through Culture for sponsoring the event and covered a wide range of topics including: "What happens next?" "Is there a specific place in the world where a ceasefire can be attempted on Sept 21?" "How has this experience of six years work affected you personally?" "Did you speak to any Americans?" "What can we do for 2006?"

After about half an hour, the discussion carried over to the lobby for a reception. In keeping with the evening's theme of tolerance, both Israeli appetizers and Iranian desserts were served. Mostly, people wanted to testify - to tell Jeremy or CPC representatives - what they will do for peace, what ideas were triggered by the film to take back to their lives. On a hopeful note, young people were particularly enthusiastic, wanting to show the film in their school, to their friends, and to their families.

World Peace Day is celebrated September 21 annually. A list of screenings and events in your community are available by visiting www.peaceoneday.org.

About the Author
Mark Solomon is a film maker.