Palestinians aim to promote local cinema with new award
RAMALLAH- A Palestinian film organization has launched a new cinema award in an attempt to stimulate the local filmmaking industry and promote cinema culture in the Palestinian territories.
Filmlab, a local nonprofit backed by European partners, hopes the "Sunbird Prize" will grow to become the Palestinian version of the Oscars. A jury of four Palestinians and two European cinema experts chose Thursday night's winners.
The jury awarded prizes, named after a local bird, to one short and one feature length film out of 80 total entries. A large number of local VIPs, including the Palestinian culture minister, attended the event.
Reflecting the immediate concerns of Palestinians, both of Thursday's winners dealt with the conflict with Israel.
