Big title, big movies, big impact.

UCSB's very own Israeli Palestinian Film Festival grew out of a tiny film club that met weekly to watch and discuss the latest and classics of Israeli cinema. Looking for a way to dive into the societies of Israel, beyond the news and the surface facts, was the main purpose for many of the club's initial members. Many had a solid understanding of Israeli history and current events, while many others were completely new to the culture and just looking for an approachable angle.

Whatever the cause, the club spawned a similar chapter when founder Herschel Colbert arrived in Santa Barbara. While not the film major or film buff he is often thought to be, Herschel took a liking to the window into daily life that films can bring and the healthy environment that UCSB fosters for debate and the Middle East. He wanted to show fellow students "the real Israel" that he lived in, not the one spoken of by both news media and university professors.

Israeli Palestinian Film Club joined forces with several on campus organizations and departments in Spring quarter 2007 to bring to UCSB the world's first student-organized festival dedicated to both Israeli and Palestinian cinema. The first festival spanned an entire quarter and had highlights of the composer and ensemble of the film West Bank Story and a powerful visit by director Eytan Fox and his film Walk on Water. Now planned and run by a student committee, the festival enters its third year and we are determined to make it even better.

Mon., May 4, 7:30pm
Arts & Lectures
Waltz with Bashir
Campbell Hall

Thu., May 7, 8pm
Salt of This Sea
Theater & Dance 1701

Fri., May 8, 7:30pm
Community Dinner
Santa Barbara Hillel

5:45
Reception
Santa Barbara Hillel

4pm
Galilee Eskimos
IV Theater 2

Sat., May 9, 9pm
Jericho's Echo
MultiCultural Center Theater

Sun., May 10, 7pm
Strangers
IV Theater 2

5pm
Sons of Sakhnin United
IV Theater 2

Mon., May 11, 8pm
The Secrets
IV Theater 2

6:30pm
Reception @ SRB Terrace

Tue., May 12
5:00pm
Understanding the Other--Palestinian and Jewish Perspectives
with Amy Kronish
SRB Round Multipurpose Room

Wed., May 13, 8pm
Jellyfish
with panel
Theater & Dance 1701

Thu., May 14, 8:30pm
Driving to Zigzigland
with Nicole Ballivian
Lehman Concert Hall

7pm
Dinner & Middle East Ensemble
Storke Lagoon

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