Park City, Utah – A bold new documentary, “Coexistence, My Ass!” ignited conversations at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, offering a provocative and humorous look at the israeli-Palestinian conflict through the lens of comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi. The film, directed by Amber Fares, premiered on january 26th, drawing enthusiastic applause and sparking critical discussion.
A Comedian’s Journey to the Big Screen
Table of Contents
- 1. A Comedian’s Journey to the Big Screen
- 2. From Activism to Humor: The genesis of the Film
- 3. The Weight of Current Events
- 4. The Power of Humor in Political Discourse
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions about “Coexistence, My Ass!”
- 6. How does the concept of “functional coexistence” challenge traditional approaches to peacebuilding, notably regarding the expectation of complete conflict resolution?
- 7. Dares Peacemaking: Embracing a More Relaxed Approach to Coexistence
- 8. Beyond Traditional Conflict Resolution
- 9. What is Functional Coexistence?
- 10. The Benefits of a Relaxed Approach
- 11. Real-World Examples of functional Coexistence
- 12. practical Tips for Fostering Functional Coexistence
- 13. The Role of International Relations & Security Studies
Noam Shuster Eliassi, the central figure of the documentary, is no stranger to challenging conventions. Her performances interweave personal anecdotes with sharp political observations,and the film documents her evolution from a young peace activist to a stand-up comedian using humor as a vehicle for social change. Eliassi was raised in Oasis of Peace, an innovative community aiming to foster coexistence among Israeli Jews and Arabs.
“There is nothing radical about demanding equality between Jews and Arabs!” Eliassi boldly declares in a clip from the film, encapsulating the core message. This message carries weight, especially considering the context of ongoing global conflict and political polarization, with recent studies showing a rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia globally by 30% in the last year, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
From Activism to Humor: The genesis of the Film
Director Amber Fares’ path to making this film was anything but straightforward. Initially hesitant about Eliassi’s comedic style, Fares was captivated after witnessing a performance at Harvard University.The director’s own previous work, including the acclaimed documentary “Speed Sisters,” resonated with Eliassi, leading to a collaborative partnership built on mutual respect and artistic vision.
“I wasn’t sure she was funny,” Fares admitted, recalling her initial impressions, but ultimately recognizing the power of Eliassi’s unique approach. The decision to work together solidified when Eliassi expressed reservations about a previous offer from a male filmmaker, highlighting the importance of outlook and depiction.
The intimacy of the film is striking, with Eliassi candidly sharing personal details, including her journey with fertility treatments. “Boy, did I commit to being exposed on-camera,” Eliassi joked, underscoring the depth of trust between the subject and filmmaker.
The Weight of Current Events
The film’s production coincided with a period of heightened conflict, prompting moments of intense emotion and reflection. Eliassi and Fares persevered, determined to create a work of resistance and hope amid ongoing turmoil.They highlighted the imperative to counter forces attempting to silence voices advocating for peace and equality. the film serves as a powerful statement against oppression, emphasizing the urgent need for dialog and understanding.
| Key Figure | Role |
|---|---|
| Noam shuster Eliassi | Subject and Comedian |
| Amber Fares | Director |
| Oasis of Peace | Eliassi’s upbringing and foundational community |
The Power of Humor in Political Discourse
The use of comedy as a tool for political and social commentary has a long and storied history. From ancient satirists to modern-day comedians like John Oliver and Hasan Minhaj, humor can effectively engage audiences and challenge established norms. “Coexistence, My Ass!” contributes to this tradition by using laughter to provoke thoght and foster dialogue on challenging subjects. Did You Know? A 2023 Pew Research Center study showed that 63% of Americans say political humor is a healthy part of democracy.
Pro Tip: When engaging with politically charged comedy, remember to consider the context and intent behind the humor. Critical thinking is essential for discerning genuine insight from mere provocation.
Frequently Asked Questions about “Coexistence, My Ass!”
What role can humor play in resolving complex political issues? Do you believe art can be a powerful force for social change?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation!
How does the concept of “functional coexistence” challenge traditional approaches to peacebuilding, notably regarding the expectation of complete conflict resolution?
Dares Peacemaking: Embracing a More Relaxed Approach to Coexistence
Beyond Traditional Conflict Resolution
For decades, conflict resolution has frequently enough been framed as a high-stakes, intensely negotiated process. While crucial in many scenarios, this approach isn’t always the most effective – or even possible. A growing field of study,exemplified by upcoming research like Functional Coexistence in Socio-Political Conflict (Arai-Tadevosyan,2025),suggests a powerful choice: functional coexistence. This isn’t about solving conflict instantly, but about creating space for life to continue alongside it. It’s about peacemaking through acceptance and adaptation,a “dares peacemaking” approach.
What is Functional Coexistence?
Functional coexistence acknowledges that deep-rooted socio-political conflict rarely disappears overnight. Rather, it proposes that societies can find ways to function – even thrive – while disagreements persist. this differs from traditional peacebuilding which frequently enough prioritizes complete resolution.
Here’s a breakdown of key elements:
* Acceptance of Difference: Recognizing that opposing viewpoints are likely to endure.
* Practical Cooperation: Focusing on areas where collaboration is possible, despite underlying tensions. think shared infrastructure, economic interdependence, or joint responses to environmental challenges.
* Reduced Intensity: Aiming to de-escalate conflict through non-confrontational strategies.
* Social Change Across Decades: Understanding that lasting peace isn’t a single event, but a gradual process of adaptation and evolution.
The Benefits of a Relaxed Approach
Embracing functional coexistence offers several advantages over solely focusing on immediate resolution:
* Reduced Violence: By lowering the stakes and fostering practical cooperation, the likelihood of escalation decreases.
* Improved Quality of Life: Even amidst conflict, people can experience improvements in their daily lives through collaborative initiatives.
* Increased Resilience: Societies become better equipped to navigate ongoing tensions and adapt to changing circumstances.
* Enduring Peace: A gradual, adaptive approach is frequently enough more sustainable than a forced, top-down solution.
* Opportunity for Long-Term change: Functional coexistence creates space for dialog and understanding to emerge organically over time,potentially leading to deeper reconciliation.
Real-World Examples of functional Coexistence
While the term “functional coexistence” might be relatively new, the practise isn’t. History offers several examples:
* Northern Ireland (Post-Good Friday Agreement): Despite ongoing sectarian divisions, Northern Ireland has experienced decades of relative peace and economic growth through power-sharing arrangements and cross-community initiatives. while not perfect, it demonstrates how societies can function with unresolved political differences.
* Israel and Palestine (limited Cooperation): despite the ongoing conflict, there are instances of practical cooperation in areas like water management and security coordination. These limited interactions contribute to a degree of functional coexistence.
* Cyprus (Bi-zonal Federation Discussions): The ongoing discussions regarding a bi-zonal federation, while stalled, represent an attempt to create a framework for functional coexistence between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.
practical Tips for Fostering Functional Coexistence
How can individuals and organizations contribute to a more relaxed approach to peacemaking?
- Identify Common Ground: focus on shared interests and needs, even in the midst of disagreement.
- Promote Intergroup Dialogue: Create safe spaces for people from diffrent backgrounds to connect and share their perspectives.
- Support Collaborative Projects: Invest in initiatives that bring people together to work towards common goals.
- De-escalate Rhetoric: Avoid inflammatory language and focus on constructive communication.
- Embrace Incremental Progress: Recognize that change takes time and celebrate small victories.
- Focus on Local Solutions: Empower communities to develop their own strategies for managing conflict.
- Invest in Education: Promote understanding and empathy through education about different cultures and perspectives.
The Role of International Relations & Security Studies
The principles of functional coexistence are increasingly relevant to the fields of international relations, foreign policy, and security studies. Traditional approaches to conflict intervention frequently enough prioritize immediate resolution, which can be unrealistic and even counterproductive.A more nuanced understanding of functional coexistence can inform more effective and sustainable peacebuilding strategies. This includes recognizing the limitations of external intervention and prioritizing local ownership of the peace process.
Reference:
Arai-Tadevosyan, A. (2025). Functional Coexistence in Socio-Political Conflict: Enabling Social Change across Decades. Routledge.[https://www.routledge.com/functional-Coexistence-in-Socio-Political-Conflict-Enabling-Social-Change-Across-Decades/Arai-tadevosyan/p/book/9781032702599](https://www.routledge.com/Functional-Coexistence-in-Socio-Political-Conflict-Enabling-Social-Change-Across-Decades/Arai-Tadevosyan/p/book/978103
