Hi, my name is Eric Scott and I am a Hebrew-speaking documentary filmmaker from Montreal, Canada.

I am trying to raise money to go to Israel for a development film shoot to explore the experiences of the Arab citizens of Israel as they try to navigate the complex intersection between their Israeli nationality and their Palestinian Arab identity. The film will weave a series of personal stories, delving into personal triumphs and tragedies, capturing the depth and diversity of individual experiences. What does it mean to be a citizen of a country where one is equal on paper but separate in reality?

Here is a link to the website of my small production company: www.quatrejeudis.ca

I have produced and directed four films for television with funding from a consortium of Canadian broadcasters, Canadian film funds and Canadian tax credits. However, this project will be harder to finance through the Canadian broadcasting system. especially at the critical development stage because it is not focused on Canadian realities.

A written proposal for this project is available to any potential contributor wishing to read it.

As an independent documentary filmmaker with a track record, I am not seeking financial support from any organizations. However, I will be consulting with several Israeli organizations, both Arab and Jewish to help me pinpoint individual characters and stories that could propel the narrative.

These organizations include: 1) Combatants for Peace is a joint Palestinian-Israeli community working in solidarity to end the occupation, discrimination, and oppression of all people living in Israel and the West Bank 2) Adalah, an independent human rights organization and legal center that promotes and defends the rights of Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel

HOW THE FUNDS WILL BE SPENT:

My intent is to be in Israel for 6-8 weeks in total. The first portion of my time will be spent identifying potential characters and determining their suitability for the film.

Bill Stone, an exceptional Canadian cinematographer with whom I have worked previously would come to Israel after this preliminary work has been completed. He would film these potential characters. It is the only way to ascertain their suitability. https://vimeo.com/thisisbillstone

The money would be spent on 1) travel expenses to Israel for myself and my cinematographer, including travel insurance 2) rental of low-cost accommodations for myself and my cinematographer while we are there 3) car rental only when filming 4) a minimal salary for Bill Stone who would be bringing his camera and sound equipment

(a mirrorless camera (what used to be called “DSLR” ) with 8K resolution in addition to sound equipment. 5) costs involved in transporting this equipment to Israel and obtaining a "carnet" or the documentation necessary to temporarily import this equipment

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