JERUSALEM, November 9, 2009 (WAFA)- Four prominent American film industry professionals traveled to the West Bank for a two-day program sponsored by the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem.

Through a grant made possible by the U.S. Consulate’s Public Affairs Section, the film group visited Al-Kasaba Theater in Ramallah and the Honors College at Al-Quds University in Abu Dies to engage in a group discussion with directors and students about independent film.

Members of the American panel included George Eldred, program director of the Aspen Film Festival; award-winning documentary film-maker Danielle Bernstein; independent film director David Pomes; and, Maia Ermita Canlas, festival and outreach director for Media That Matters, an organization utilizing film as a vehicle for social justice and change.  The discussion groups were followed by a 90-minute screening of short-films and documentaries that appeared at the Aspen and Media That Matters film festivals.

The Al-Kasaba program included Palestinians who were already experienced in film production and direction, as well as university students hoping to break into the film industry. 

The film group visited Al-Quds University to speak with students at the Honors College about independent film as a vehicle for social change. 

Speaking on behalf of the U.S. Consulate, Public Diplomacy Officer Esperanza Tilghman told the students that the U.S. Consulate General was proud to support programs that promote creative ways to advance social causes. 

Honors College visiting professor Rebecca Granato reiterated the commitment of Al-Quds University to provide world-class education in all fields of academic study, and thanked the U.S. Consulate for its support.