When
Friday 20th April - Friday 4th May 2012
Where
Barbican Cinema, SOAS and University of London
Palestine's flourishing arts and culture offerings are sometimes overlooked. Thankfully, the London Palestine Film Festival is redressing the balance.
Why you should go
Where else can you see the very best in films from and about Palestine, neatly packed into a handy festival format? The 2012 festival is the 15th year for the event, so they’re certainly doing something right.
Up and coming talent
Although the London Palestine Film Festival pulls together films by directors from across the world, the festival understandably concentrates on work from up and coming Palestinian filmmakers. Film buffs can act like kids in a candy store, hot-footing it between a multitude of discussions and Q&A sessions about the films.
Don’t miss
Must see films include the UK premiere of the award winning comedy Man Without a Cellphone, by Palestinian director Sameh Zoabi. The festival also features films such as the Cannes Prize winner Tawfik Abu Wael (Last Days in Jerusalem), as well as a strand which showcases shorts from the West Bank.
Other highlights
Around 40 works will be screened as part of the London Palestine Film Festival, with current releases sitting alongside classic gems on the programme. Susan Sontag's 1974 documentary Promised Lands will be screened, while the latest efforts by international artists such as Marco Pasquini and Pierre-Yves Vandeweerd will also be celebrated.
Meet the filmmakers
Meanwhile, alongside the screenings there's panel discussions, Q&A sessions, screen talks and interactive debates to enjoy. Also taking place during the festival is a groundbreaking exhibition of Palestinian video art on the Mezzanine Level of the Barbican, while the SOAS and University of London will also be hosting special events.
The London Palestine Film Festival runs from Friday 20th April - Friday 4th May 2012 at the Barbican Cinema, SOAS and UCL.
Times, dates and ticket prices vary. For more information and a full schedule, click on the link below.
Palestine Film Festival Website