A protester waves a Palestinian flag in front of the Israeli West Bank settlement of Beitar Illit on September 5, 2014, during a demonstration against Israel’s decision to expropriate 400 hectares of land in the territory. Musa Al Shaer / AFP
A protester waves a Palestinian flag in front of the Israeli West Bank settlement of Beitar Illit on September 5, 2014, during a demonstration against Israel’s decision to expropriate 400 hectares of Show more

Cannes Film Festival: Palestinians get first pavilion in boost to film industry



The Palestinian flag will be raised next week at the Cannes film festival, which will host their first ever national pavilion.

Film-makers said the new level of representation in the international village of the prestigious festival was a significant step for the fledgling Palestinian cinema industry.

The pavilion, one of around 70 representing countries from across the globe, will give Palestinian film-makers an opportunity to pitch their work to top international industry executives.

Mohanad Yaqubi, one of the co-founders of the Palestine Film Institute, said it was a significant moment.

"Almost every year Palestine has a film selected in Cannes but until now we didn't have an official presence there", Yaqubi, who is also a film-maker, told AFP.

"Industry-wise it is very important to have a presence...(to) network at an industry level", he said in English.

The pavilion will be mostly funded by the Palestinian ministry of culture, which declined to say exactly how much it invested.

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Lina Bokhary, head of the ministry's cinema department, said the decision was part of wider efforts to promote Palestinian film.

"All throughout the history of film, for a national film industry to happen you need stability and state investment - and that is something we never had".

"Cannes is important because it is a hub, the door to all of Europe which is a big market for Palestinian films".

Saudi Arabia, which recently lifted a ban on cinema in the country, is also expected to have its first pavilion at the Cannes film festival which begins on May 8.

The Palestinian film industry is small and respected, and a number of films have gained critical acclaim in recent years, Bokhary said.

"If in a year we have four or five feature films that would be a very good year", she said.

In 2017, the Palestinian film Ghost Hunting, which focused on Israeli prisons, won best documentary at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Yaqubi said that much of the Palestinian film industry was about humanising Palestinians, who are often seen through the 70-year conflict with Israel.

He said Palestinian film-makers constantly struggle to "change how the West" views Palestinian people and to get rid of the "stigma" surrounding them.

"Changing opinions in the West is our fight more than doing films for entertainment or box office", he said.

"(The Israelis) are winning on the ground, that is obvious, but the fight of image is still going on - and this is a battle we can do something about".

Bio

Born in Dibba, Sharjah in 1972.
He is the eldest among 11 brothers and sisters.
He was educated in Sharjah schools and is a graduate of UAE University in Al Ain.
He has written poetry for 30 years and has had work published in local newspapers.
He likes all kinds of adventure movies that relate to his work.
His dream is a safe and preserved environment for all humankind. 
His favourite book is The Quran, and 'Maze of Innovation and Creativity', written by his brother.

Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
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Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

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Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million