A 9/11 Gallery

April 3 (Thurs.), 7:00 pm—"Encounter Point" at Laemmle's Music Hall

In response to the on-going bloodshed between Israelis and Palestinians, Levantine Cultural Center and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Ethics, along with a dozen NGOs whose Southern California members work on peace and interfaith issues year-round, have joined forces to present a director’s screening of ENCOUNTER POINT, featuring a Q & A with co-director Ronit Avni, on April 3, 2008, 7 pm at Laemmle’s Music Hall.

Encounter Point

ENCOUNTER POINT (85 ms) is an up-close and personal documentary that features everyday heroes in both Israel and Palestine working together to make co-existence and reconciliation a reality—despite their own tragic personal losses. The film deftly illustrates how effective grassroots efforts of interpersonal dialogue and concerted non-violence are proving to be powerful mechanisms of lasting political/social change in a region plagued by war and strife.

Variety’s Ronnie Scheib wrote, “Concise, intelligent docu[mentary]... Dynamically edited... deftly avoids schmaltz in its delineation of grief and its celebration of cross-cultural activism." Writing in the Village Voice, Melissa Levine noted, “A riveting documentary, which blazes with a kind of spiritual grace while remaining firmly grounded in a tragic reality...”

TimeOut NY raved, “Something else entirely.... Ronit Avni and Julia Bacha never flinch from the brutal tragedies these men and women have endured, thereby capturing the heroism of their nonviolent choice” (Hank Shteamer). And Anita Gates writing in the New York Times noted, “Assured, thoughtful and clear-eyed... nonviolent resistance could happen here. This film may prompt others to take up the cause.”

Presented by Levantine Cultural Center and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Ethics, this screening of "Encounter Point" is endorsed by the World Congress of Imams and Rabbis for Peace and the American Friends Service Committee-Middle East Peace Education Program, Bustan L’Shalom, Craft and Folk Art Museum, Culver City Area Interfaith Alliance, Friends of the United Nations Association, Islamic Center of Southern CA, L.A. Chapter of the Campaign for a US Department of Peace, L.A. Jews for Peace, Muslims for Progressive Values, Neighbors for Peace and Justice San Fernando Valley, Salaam Shalom Educational Foundation, Pilgrimage of Peace, and the Topanga Peace Alliance.

Thursday, April 3, 7:00-9:45 pm, “Encounter Point” followed by a Q & A with co-director/producer Ronit Avri. $10 donation per person requested. A reception will follow.

Laemmle’s Music Hall, 9036 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills 90211 (Street and $3 parking available around the corner on Doheny at the Writer’s Guild). Reservations strongly suggested as seating is limited. Call 310.657.5511 or online:

Bring your ideas, enthusiasm and support to the Center by participating in our Programming Committee, which cooperates with our Board of Directors in creating new arts programs in the months ahead. Visit our volunteer opportunities page. To get on the reservation list for the next meeting, email us now!

Levantine Center's Board of Directors is continually seeking to work with new volunteers who may be invited to join the board. We welcomes inquiries—we are actively searching for more people with our passion and conviction! Our core group of volunteers consists of diverse members of the community who are of Middle Eastern/Mediterranean heritage or who have a strong professional or artistic interest in furthering our mission. Our volunteers work on literary, film, fine art, music and educational programming.

Our Advisory Board is also in formation. Advisory board members are known professionally in their own communities and offer valuable counsel and services to the organization; they are eligible to attend the organization's annual retreat and receive other benefits.

Please contact us at 310.657.5511.

To join/support Levantine Cultural Center, simply go to our membership page and fill in the blanks, use your credit card, or print and mail in your check for $60 or $120 or $250 annual membership dues to: Levantine Center, 1012 S. Robertson Blvd., Suite C, Los Angeles CA 90035-1537.