AWARDS
- “Nun wa Zaytun” by Emtiaz Diab (Palestine 2015) as Best Documentary; as it shows the living conditions of millions of women and men, through a delicate, often lyrical narrative, with both popular and elevated cultural tones, filtered through the looking-glass of modernity. - “The living of the pigeons” by Baha’ Abu Shanab (Palestine 2014) as Best Film on Palestine; as, with a seemingly effortless tale, it offers a disparaging view of systematic oppression and daily humiliation. The film unceremoniously captures the audience in the drama of day-to-day life in Palestine. - “To my mother” by Ahmad al-Bazz e Yasser Jodallah (Palestine 2014) as Best Emerging Director; as it recounts the tale of an entire nation through a personal life-story, conveys a profound message of humanity and rejects oppression by calling upon the unity of all Palestinians – to cite the author: “We shall not be defeated by our suffering”. |
The Jury decided to award Special Mention to the film “30th of March”, by Nidal Badarny (Palestine 2014), as Best Palestinian Film, because it documents a specific anniversary – the 30th March 1976 demonstrations and ensuing massacres as an important turning point and a symbolic depiction of the Palestinian bond to their land, along with their struggle for freedom and dignity. Special Mention also went to “Roshmia” by Salim Abu Jabal (Palestine 2014) for the ways in which it tells of the displacement and solitude of an elderly Palestinian couple. The Audience Award went to “Dreams Behind the Wall” by Elena Herreros (Palestine 2015). |