CAIRO, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) — The Palestinian Gaza Strip, still experiencing devastating Israeli attacks, was highlighted at the 45th edition of the Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), with several films and filmmakers Palestinians rewarded during the closing ceremony which took place Friday evening.
The documentary “A State of Passion” by Carol Mansour, a Lebanese-Canadian filmmaker of Palestinian origin, and Lebanese producer Mouna Khalidi, which highlights the medical journey of a Palestinian doctor in Palestine, received the prize for best Arab film in the Horizons du cinema Arabe competition.
A Palestinian film competition was launched at this year’s CIFF, in cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation States Broadcasting Union (OSBU).
The first OSBU Prize of the 45th CIFF was awarded to the documentary “Square Kilometer Dreams” directed by Palestinian filmmaker Qassam Sbeih, the second to “A State of Passion”, and the third to ” Passing Dreams” directed by Palestinian filmmaker Rachid Masharawi.
“Given what is happening in Palestine this year, and especially in Gaza, it was important that the films we made on Gaza were screened at the CIFF,” Rachid Masharawi told Xinhua during the closing ceremony, highlighting the important role of art in supporting just causes.
Furthermore, as part of a special program organized for the anthology film “From Ground Zero”, which brings together 22 short films from Gaza, the “Soft Skin” films Sweet”), “No Signal” and “A School Day” received cash prizes.
The 45th CIFF showed its solidarity with the Palestinian cause on its first day by screening “Passing Dreams” as its opening.
Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy, the festival president, and CIFF staff all attached a brooch bearing the image of the national flag of Palestine to their outfits as a sign of solidarity and support.
“The 45th CIFF did not take place as planned last year due to the events in Gaza, so we had to cancel the festival at the time. We came back to say through it that Gaza is in our hearts and that the Palestinian people are always with us,” Hussein Fahmy told Xinhua in an earlier interview during the festival.
Launched in 1976, CIFF is one of the oldest film festivals in the Arab world, Africa and the Middle East. This year’s edition featured around 190 films from more than 70 countries and regions. END
**While focusing on raising awareness is important, how can films like those showcased at CIFF contribute to tangible action or policy changes regarding the situation in Gaza?**
## World Today News Interview: Gaza on the Big Screen
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we have the privilege of discussing the powerful intersection of filmmaking and social awareness highlighted at the recent Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF). We are joined by two esteemed guests:
* **[Guest 1 Name and Credentials]:** A film critic specializing in Middle Eastern cinema,
* **[Guest 2 Name and Credentials]:** A scholar focusing on the impact of art on social movements.
Let’s delve into this compelling discourse.
**Section 1: Spotlight on Gaza**
* **Host**: This year’s CIFF saw a deliberate focus on the Palestinian Narrative, particularly from Gaza. What prompted this emphasis, and what message does it send in the current context?
* **[Guest 1]:** Could you elaborate on the specific films that addressed Garza and how they tackled the complexities of the situation?
* **[Guest 2]:** How can art, particularly film, contribute to raising global awareness and potentially influencing political discourse surrounding the Palestinian issue?
**Section 2: Film as Advocacy: Effectiveness and Challenges**
* **Host**: The article highlights the award-winning Palestinian films “A State of Passion,” “Square Kilometer Dreams,” and “Passing Dreams.” Can you discuss the unique
perspectives these films offer and how they utilize cinematic techniques to convey their messages?
* **[Guest 1]:**
What are some of the challenges filmmakers face when tackling politically charged subjects like the Palestinian-Israeli conflict while aiming for artistic expression?
* **[Guest 2]:**
Beyond raising awareness, do you believe films can have a tangible impact on political outcomes or international actions?
**Section 3: CIFF’s Commitment to Solidarity**
* **Host:**
The CIFF demonstrated strong solidarity with Palestine by featuring Gaizan films prominently and incorporating the Palestinian flag into its imagery. What implications does this act of solidarity hold for the film festival and the global film community?
* **[Guest 1]:** How might this kind of proactive stance by major film festivals encourage dialog and understanding across cultures and political divides?
* **[Guest 2]:** Could this be seen as a precedent for other cultural events and institutions to take a similar stand on important social and political issues?
**Closing:**
**Host**: Thank you both for sharing your insightful perspectives on this complex and timely topic. The powerful role of cinema in engaging with important issues like Gaza remains undeniable.
We encourage our viewers to watch these celebrated films and engage in constructive dialog around them, furthering understanding and promoting peaceful solutions.
