July 24th, 2022Palestinian film night

Central Victorian Friends Of Palestine will screen two multi-award winning short films from leading female Palestinian directors in Kyneton – The Present by Farah Nabulsi and Like Twenty Impossibles by Annemarie Jacir.
Senator Janet Rice, pictured, from the Australian Greens will be attending and holding a Q&A between the films.
Senator Rice is the Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson and a leading voice on human rights, the climate, and equality.
Friends spokesperson Peter Wicks said in the Foreign Affairs portfolio, the occupation of Palestine by Israel was controversial and the debate often heated.
“In recent months we have seen Amnesty International join the many other human rights organisations declaring Israel’s occupation as apartheid. We have witnessed the assassination of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, and the horrific attack on pallbearers at her funeral. We have seen the continued brutal expansion of illegal Israeli settlements.
“All this while the memory of last year’s Israeli missile attacks on Gaza drew world condemnation as hundred of civilians were left dead, injured and homeless and the media organisations trying to cover the carnage saw their offices attacked and destroyed with missile attacks.
“With so much happening in the region it is important to hear the stories from those who live there. We are excited to have been given permission to screen these short films from two of the best storytellers in the region.”
The event is also a fundraiser with proceeds donated to Australian charity Olive Kids, supporting Palestinian children suffering under brutal occupation through healthcare, education and financial aid. All the work of Olive Kids is delivered by local volunteers and done through local businesses and provides children whose rights have been stolen with hope and opportunity.
“We are extremely fortunate to have two acclaimed short films to screen and a senator so focused on Human Rights here to address the communities’ queries,” Mr Wicks said.
The screenings will take place at the Mary Maloney Theatre, Sacred Heart College, 94 High Street, Kyneton on Saturday, August 6.
Tickets: www. trybooking.com