A West German group has won first prize in the first international festival of films and television programmes about Palestine, held in Baghdad, Iraq, from 19-22 March.
The Manfred Munich Group received a gold medal and 150 dinars (US$430) at Friday's (23 March) closing ceremony for their documentary, "The Chase". The group donated the money to the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO).
The festival was held under the auspices of the Arab States Broadcasting Union, in conjunction with the Arab League and the PLO. The aim of the festival was "to encourage the making of films about the Palestinian cause and the occupied Arab Territories."
The Syrian entry received the silver medal from the jury of artists, writers and journalists representing participating countries. An Italian film was voted the best foreign production and an Algerian film won the award for the best Arab production at the festival.
SYNOPSIS: A West German documentary has won first prize at an international film festival in Baghdad which featured only films and television programmes about Palestine. The winning entries were announced by the festival secretary, Mohammed Al Sahaf, at Friday's closing ceremony. The festival was held under the auspices of the Arab Broadcasting Union.
The aim of the five-day festival was to encourage the making of films about the Palestinian issue and the Arab territory occupied by Israel. It was organised by the Iraqi television, radio and cinema organisation.
Mr. Sahaf presented the festival's gold medal and 150 dinars in cash to the Manfred Munich Group for their film, "The Chase". The group donated the money to the Palestinian Liberation Organisation. The runner-up was the Syrian entry, which received the silver medal and 100 dinars. An Algerian film won the prize for the best Arab production.