War has become a part of who we are: Israeli dir Yaniv Berman

Director Yaniv Berman, who screened his film "Land of the Little People" at the sixth Dharamshala International Film Festival, today said he wanted to show the impact of militarisation on children in Israel through the movie.
"Most of the children growing up in our country know that they have to join the Army eventually. The education system in the country prepares them to survive in future as potential soldiers. They are expected to toughen up and if the parents see their kids turn violent, they don't really object to it," he said.
Berman, 40, was speaking at the Q&A session post the movie's screening.

The director said he was inspired to make a film on the issue as it is a part of his personal experience like many of his country people.
"Israeli people are good in nature but there is a lot of anger in their hearts due to the situation. The children tend to be more aggressive. The war has become a part of who we are."
The movie shows four children from an Israeli Army village and analyses how they assert their dominance over two war deserters in an abandoned military base, who give a tough fight to the kids.

The film, which released last year, handles the concepts of violence, masculinity, sexuality and morality without kid gloves.

Berman added, "The film also shows the state of war deserters... There are people like them in Israel and I feel it should not be necessary for people to take part in the Army. It's okay to give up war.
"The sad part today in the country is that instead of finding alternative ways to deal with crisis, people are choosing war...