Peace Builders A Documentary In-Production 2022-2025 Palestinian and Israeli teenagers from the Middle East forge relationships in the midst of the most devastating violence the region has experienced since 1948. Support our Film Project Introducing the Peace Builders In 2022/2023, they shared their visions for the future. The Teenagers These individuals were selected by their openness to find solutions and willingness to appear on camera. We hope we can learn from their stories. In 2024, captured the realities of life in Palestine/Israel and their efforts to chart a path forward amidst the war. Nama (left) and Shahd (right) Thekra "Since I was a kid [my mom] holds my hand, sits me down, and tells me 'You are strong. You have your own opinion, don't let anybody step on that." Following the Journey The documentary project spans the course of 4 years from 2022-2025 , as we witness these teenagers grow up, form bonds with each other, strengthen their resolve for peace, and confront the uncertain realities of their future. "I'm torn between not wanting to leave home, and a home that is toxic and violent." Tidhar "We're gonna miss The States but now is the important part, the part when you move what you learned here to your home. To your community." The documentary follows only the words expressed and actions taken by these teenagers. We understand these personal accounts do not make up the entirety of experiences of those suffering in the region. Our Approach "I feel like I really need to do something about this because I was born to stand for what's right and take action, and I don't want to be a bystander to what's happening." Coming Together We begin the film in Navasota, Texas in 2022 which is where these teenagers first meet as part of an annual peace-building institute. 2023, they return to deepen their commitment for peace . The film continues production in Nov 2024 in Palestine/Israel to have an up-close look of their peace efforts in a post-October 7 reality. Nama Shahd "You grow up feeling that there is this very big battle between one another and there is very distinct stuff that they blame each other for." Elon Jerusalem Peacebuilders Jerusalem Peacebuilders (JPB) is an interfaith, non-profit organization with a mission to create a better future for humanity across religions, cultures, and nationalities. Integral to that mission is the belief that the future of Jerusalem is the future of the world. To that end, JPB promotes transformational, person-to-person encounters among the peoples of Jerusalem, Israel, Palestine, and the United States. This film was not commissioned nor has any financial affiliation with The Jerusalem Peacebuilders institute. The Organization in Focus Learn about JPB Support our Film Help us complete the production of this documentary in 2024-2025. Your contribution supports: • Production Equipment • Production Assistant • Plane flight Palestine/Israel • Lodging in Palestine/Israel • Travel inside Palestine/Israel Your tax-deductible donation helps tell the stories of these young people finding solutions amidst the ongoing conflict. Supporters: Krista Calaway, Matt Heath, Chris King, Lavanya Rajagopalan, Kenneth Richstad, Barbara Richstad

Pilot Episode "Dreams so Real" Back to Mission and History "Dreams so Real" debuted on Houston Public Media (PBS Station in Houston) In the opening episode, “Dreams so Real,” Kylie, a painfully shy girl, tries to fit in and make new friends while goofy boys, high-fashion girls and two encouraging coaches try to keep everyone together. When they meet the world-renowned DJ Reborn, Kylie discovers what it truly means to take the stage with confidence. Not only do the kids on this television show experience the performing arts, but the viewers at home learn right alongside them. With step-by-step instruction, and the appearance of celebrity artists, Take the Stage takes the viewer on a new and exciting adventure into the world of the performing arts.

Gordon Education produces documentaries featuring youth exploring their own cultural identity while bridging global divides. Films include Kaavya, about a 10-year-old girl preparing for her arangetram in Texas and The Peacebuilders about bringing together Palestinian and Israeli teens to chart a peaceful future. A 10-year-old-girl and a tale two-thousand years in the making Local Airtimes Watch the trailer Read the article Kaavya Kaavya is a 10-year-old girl from Texas who loves Harry Potter, puzzles, musical theatre, GIlmore Girls, and robotics. She also is about to embark on the most important moment of her life up until now: her arangetram. (Translation: ascending the stage). This 2-hour solo dance debut showcases a mastery in Bharatanatyam, the oldest form of Indian classical dance which originated over 2,000 years ago. The pressures for any young person who prepares for this performance are extraordinary, but Kaavya's situation is unique. She not only is one of the youngest students to have an arangetram, but she is trained by her very own mother, a professional dancer and respected guru with a formidable reputation of her own to uphold. Each gesture in Bharatanatyam holds a distinct meaning that when woven together, tell ancient stories from Hindu mythology. Kaavya continues the tradition of telling these stories through choreography that has been passed down to her over many generations. And, in spite of a global pandemic disrupting her performance, emotional breakdowns in rehearsal, and dealing with the disappointment of not having her grandparents visit for her big day, Kaavya impressively adapts to the new circumstances and carries on to claim a dance form that has survived millennia. Behind the Scenes Premiere at the Asia Society Texas Center https://www.pbs.org/show/kaavya/ Asia Society Texas Center with Michael Buening On PBS Kaavya is now streaming on PBS Passport and is airing on select PBS stations around the country. To find out more, click here: https://www.pbs.org/show/kaavya

Summer Camp registration now open for June and July 2025 Register Here Summer Documentary filmmaking Program at Asia Society Texas. Photo Credit: Chris Dunn Welcome to Gordon Education Young voices. Making waves. One frame at a time. Filmmaking Workshops K-12 Schools, Museums, and Summer Camps Students learn skills of filmmaking which includes brainstorming initial concepts, outlining, screenwriting, storyboarding, camera operation, lighting, editing, and post-production. Students are active participants in every aspect of the creation process including being actors in the films they create. Our filmmaking residencies provide opportunities for personal growth through collaboration and skill development from the teaching artists. Find out more . With media accessible at every student's fingertips in this tech-driven age, our filmmaking residencies and camps provide a fun, thoughtful, and practical approach for children who desire to create their own media and produce their own films. Juvenile Probation Centers We use filmmaking as an intervention strategy for teenagers who spend a few weeks to years in the juvenile justice system. Launched in 2022, we operate this program in Houston, TX and Brooklyn, NY and have witnessed transformational growth in the youth. Producing an original film provides a creative outlet for incarcerated teens to express themselves and the the confidence hat they are capable of taking a positive path forward in their lives. Find out more. Appearing: Listen Read Social Impact TV/Film Projects Film Projects that Inspire Change Every film/tv/music video project we undertake has a social mission with a focus on youth whether it is to democratize arts education, to promote libraries, to educate about cultural art forms or to bridge divides amongst communities locked in conflict. Want to collaborate ? Reach out info@gordoneducation.org Kaavya A Texas girl's journey in Indian Classical Dance Peace Builders Palestinian and Israeli teenagers connect My Friend the Library A Music Video for Libraries Take the Stage Bilingual K-5 Series on PBS LearningMedia

A music video written and performed by Texas kids who love the library. Join our campaign and send us your own video about what the library means to you. Kids promoting libraries through art. Make art. Join the movement. www.myfriendthelibrary.com