MERCURIUS PRIZE 2026 to STEPHEN APKON for “Disturbing the Peace” and “There is Another Way”
On September 18, 2026, the Mercurius Prize 2026 was awarded to director Stephen Apkon for his documentary films “Disturbing the Peace” (2016) and “There Is Another Way” (2025).
Both films portray, with great sensitivity and attention to the psychological processes involved, the personal trajectories of members of the activist group Combatants for Peace — former Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters, as well as civilians, who have renounced violence, moved beyond their respective narratives, and now advocate non-violence and dialogue as the only possible path forward in Israel/Palestine. True transformation happens only through empathy, when one recognizes the suffering, grief and humanity on the other side of an increasingly polarized society.
The award ceremony took place at ISAP (International School of Analytical Psychology) in Zurich, following a screening of “There Is Another Way”. Mercurius Prize President Murray Stein and committee members Hilary Morgan, Giovanni Sorge and Valentina Zampieri were present. During a lively panel discussion, the audience had the opportunity to ask the director about various aspects of the filmmaking process, the psychological implications for the interviewees and for himself, and the universal themes explored in the film.
Apkon emphasized that his films aim to challenge and transcend the narratives that polarize and comfortably divide heroes and adversaries; it’s not about, he noted, to be pro-Israel or pro-Palestine, but pro-peace. Ultimately, it is about overcoming projections of the Shadow.
The decision by the Mercurius Prize Committee to honor both films (Disturbing the Peace—with Andrew Young—and There Is Another Way) pays tribute to the sensitivity and courage of a filmmaker who, by providing over the years an intimate look at the vision and work of Combatants for Peace, simultaneously envisaged an alternative path aimed at increasing awareness.
(In the picture: The Plaque. From left to right, Hilary Morgan, Valentina Zempieri, Stephen Apkon, Murray Stein, Giovanni Sorge – whilst Mercurius Prize co-president Nancy Furlotti participated remotely)
