Berlinale Forum 2010 honored AISHEEN STILL ALIVE IN GAZA produced by Al Jazeera Childrens Channel (JCC), co-produced and directed by Nicolas Wadimoff. The documentary was awarded the Forum prize of the Ecumenical Jury; in their decision, the jury members emphasized the films open and unbiased view of the perseverance of a people – like a dandelion breaking through the asphalt.
In a special ceremony for independent juries awards held today – Saturday, Fayçal Hassairi, Executive producer at JCC and Nicolas Wadimoff, Director of AISHEEN, received the award on behalf of Al Jazeera Childrens Channel.
The Ecumenical Jury awards its prizes to one film in each category of the festival: the main competition, the Forum and the Panorama. The films are selected based on their success in portraying actions and human experiences in the most respectful approach to human dignity and universal values.
In commenting on this accomplishment, Malika Alouane, Director of Channels Programming at Al Jazeera Childrens Channel said: The prize that AISHEEN Still Alive in Gaza received in Berlinale 2010 is a testimony to our strong production vision in adopting issues of concern to humankind; it also delivers JCCs mission in overcoming the challenges and bridging the gaps between people.
We proudly dedicate this prize to Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, for her continuous support to the Channel since its launch in 2005, she added.
Alouane emphasized that being awarded the prize of the Ecumenical Jury in such a prestigious and internationally renowned festival proves that AISHEEN Still Alive in Gaza succeeded in depicting the daily life of the people of Gaza post the Israeli attack in late 2008 in an honest and objective manner.
I am deeply moved by this award and would like to dedicate it to all the people in Gaza who helped make this movie a reality by allowing us into their lives, said Nicolas Wadimoff, director of AISHEEN; I hope that their courage and dignity will touch hearts everywhere as they have touched mine, he concluded.
AISHEEN Still Alive in Gaza had witnessed an unprecedented success during the five screening sessions – tickets were sold out and some watched it standing or sitting on the cinema hall stairs.
The Ecumenical Jury for the Berlinale 2010 consists of six members from all churches of Germany, NGOs, academics, and Cinema & TV content makers.
(Source: JCC press release)