Oscar-winning filmmaker James Cameron has signed on as executive producer for There Is Another Way, a 67-minute documentary highlighting the efforts of a grassroots group of Palestinians and Israelis working together to end conflict through non-violent means.
The documentary, which has been featured at multiple international film festivals, will make its theatrical debut in San Francisco and San Rafael, California, on March 13.
Directed by Stephen Apkon, the film follows Combatants for Peace, a collective of former adversaries from Gaza and Israel who are united in their mission to promote peace amid ongoing conflict. Through deep listening and empathy, the group aims to challenge the cycle of violence. The film addresses the challenges they face, particularly following the devastating violence of October 7, 2023, and the escalating war in Gaza.
Cameron spoke about the film’s importance, stating, “There Is Another Way provokes a much-needed conversation that can only happen through an empathetic, humanitarian lens. This film showcases the humanity in all people and calls for pragmatic, compassionate solutions for the sake of peace, human rights, and dignity. Vengeance only leads to destruction, and the people in this film embody the hope of a different path.”
The documentary serves as a follow-up to Apkon’s 2016 film Disturbing the Peace, which focused on a group of former Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters who joined forces to challenge the entrenched conflict.
Set against the backdrop of Israel and Gaza, There Is Another Way captures the ongoing suffering and brutality faced by both Palestinians and Israelis over the past 75 years.
Apkon described the film’s core message, saying, “The film brings together the suffering, violence, and potential for peace shared by both peoples. It’s not just about Israel and Palestine—this is a conversation we must have in many places around the world, to grapple with complexity and understand what we are creating.”
Regarding former President Donald Trump’s suggestion of a Gaza takeover, Apkon commented, “The forced expulsion of two million people is ethnic cleansing. It violates human rights and international law and goes against the interests of everyone in the region.”
Although the film is just over an hour long, Apkon shared that theaters are embracing it as a feature-length release. Post-screening, theaters will offer a 15-minute recorded discussion with the film’s participants. After its San Francisco and San Rafael releases, the documentary will open in Los Angeles on March 20, with a New York City release slated for late March.
Apkon also announced plans for a global screening tour, including university campuses, where film subjects, including Israeli and Palestinian members of Combatants for Peace, will join in post-screening discussions.
In addition to Cameron, There Is Another Way is also executive produced by Maria Wilhelm, Co-Chair of Cameron’s production company Lightstorm, and Irish author Colum McCann.
Wilhelm shared her thoughts on the film’s message: “The film shows the terror and pain that pushes people to choose sides, but what if there is no side? What if all people are ‘my people’? The film calls us to navigate conflict from a place of shared humanity. There is another way, but we must choose it.”
McCann reflected on the film’s relevance and impact: “It is incredibly timely, addressing the possible within what seems impossible. It beautifully captures contradictions and provides hope against overwhelming odds. It challenges viewers to question their assumptions and shows the complexity of human beings in their search for answers.”
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