MEDIA RELEASE

Oscar Winner to Screen film at Cal State Northridge

(NORTHRIDGE, Calif., April 23, 2008) — Ever heard of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict explained through the fast-paced, fast-food world of competing falafel stands? Award-winning film director Ari Sandel will visit Cal State Northridge to explain his quirky perspective on the Middle East conflict through a screening of his film on Monday, April 28.

"West Bank Story" is a 20-minute musical comedy that breaches topics of hope and peace for a 2000-year-old conflict residing in the West Bank. A screening is scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. in the Oviatt Library’s Presentation Room.

The 2007 Academu Award-winning film is the story of two young lovers, an Israeli soldier and a Palestinian cashier, who are forced to keep their love a secret due to the animosity between their families’ battling falafel restaurants.

"Like all powerful art, ‘West Bank Story’ makes us see a local drama in universal terms," said CSUN Provost Harry Hellenbrand, vice president of academic affairs. "An acute eye and mind like Sandel's reveals the intimacies of the conflict in such a way that we can see ourselves—and the human tragic comedy—in what we otherwise think of as a distant and unfathomable squabble."

Following the film, Sandel will discuss the responses to his film from international audiences of Arabs, Israelis and Jews.

The event is free and open to the public but reservations are encouraged due to limited seating. For reservations or for more information, call (818) 677-2957 or e-mail academic.affairs@csun.edu.