U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs Concludes Cultural Exchange & Capacity Building Program with American Film
PRESS RELEASE November 9, 2022
On Monday, November 7, American Film Expert Lisa Leeman completed a seven-day cultural exchange and capacity-building program focused on documentary filmmaking and storytelling in the West Bank, and Gaza, benefiting 150 Palestinian filmmakers, students, and youth. The U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs and American Film Showcase (AFS) partnered with Palestine Cinema Club to host the American director, Lisa Leeman.
The weeklong program in Ramallah and Bethlehem benefited both Palestinian filmmaking students and Palestinian emerging and advanced filmmakers. Leeman shared insights on her filmmaking career as a woman, and offered mentorship and inspiration to Palestinian students and beginner filmmakers. Leeman also led full-day workshop on documentary filmmaking and storytelling, that targeted more experienced Palestinian filmmakers and included virtual engagement with Gazan filmmakers. Leeman networked with Palestinian filmmakers and participated in local Palestinian film events.
“We’re very excited to have Lisa here, engaging with Palestinian filmmakers, and exchanging knowledge and skills. She is a veteran film expert, who has worked in Ramallah previously and understands the immense talent and potential of Palestinian filmmakers. We’re happy to be able to see this cultural exchange happen and hope that the Palestinian filmmakers, both novice and expert, who were able to meet with Lisa, will be able to continue engaging with American filmmakers and industry following this visit,” said Counselor for Public Affairs at OPA Carissa Gonzalez.
“American Film Showcase gives filmmakers around the world a chance to meet, learn about each other’s cultures, and to share resources and ideas. Even when we don’t speak the same language, we share the same passion for telling compelling stories on screen, exploring the human condition, and for using film to inspire positive social change,” said American film expert, Lisa Leeman. “It’s been exciting to meet so many talented filmmakers here. In discussing our mutual films, cultural barriers can melt, stereotypes recede, and we build cinematic bridges to understand each other’s cultures. I truly believe we can change the world, one film at a time!”
Sawsan Qaoud, Director of the Palestine Cinema club, said, “This program opened new horizons for the Palestinian filmmakers participating in it, as it provided the opportunity to exchange experiences, network and learn about the American film market and funding sources from various institutions and opened the
way for creating new opportunities for cooperation. For Palestine Cinema Club, acquaintance with new cultures through cinema is necessary to reach the world.”
AFS is the premier film diplomacy program of the U.S. State Department. In partnership with U.S. embassies, consulates, diplomatic missions and offices around the world, AFS organizes screenings, workshops, and master classes in more than 60 locations per year. AFS offers global audiences’ insight into American society and culture through film and empowers local filmmakers with tools to tell their own stories. The program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and produced by the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts.
For more information, please contact us at: USPalestinianAffairs@state.gov