Universal Hall: Films

Tilda Swinton introducing the Steiner School Benefit film in front of the new big screen. BURMA VJ (Film) Sun 14th Feb, 12.30pm The Co-operative both sponsors and presents this very special screening at the Universal Hall. Acclaimed filmmaker, Anders Østergaard, brings us close to the video journalists risking torture and life in jail in Burma. These courageous young citizens live the essence of journalism as they insist on keeping up the flow of news from their closed country. Armed with small handycams the Burma VJs as they are called, stop at nothing to make their reportages from the streets of Rangoon. Their material is smuggled out of the country and broadcast back into Burma via satellite and offered as free usage for international media. The film offers a unique insight into high-risk journalism and dissidence in a police state, while at the same time providing a thorough documentation of the historical and dramatic days of September 2007, when the Buddhist monks started marching. “…demonstrates what can be done through the ingenious use of small cameras and mobile phones by brave, resourceful opponents of oppressive regimes.” The Observer free (courtesy of the Co-operative) Middle Eastern Film Festival. Sat 10th April, 7.30pm Pomegranates and Myrrh Al-mor wa al rumman (Palestine 2008) Najwa Najjar's debut feature combines a stellar cast, a set of remarkable locations within the Palestinian territories, and a powerful story of love under pressure. With the politics left in the background, Najjar opens with a brilliant ensemble scene – the joyous wedding of olive farmer Zaid (newcomer Ashraf Farah) and dancer Kamar (the stunning Al Masri), the moment beforetheir lives unravel... 1h35m / DVD / Arabic, English and Hebrew with English subtitles / 12A £4 / £3 under 16. Pay on the door. Sun. 11th April, 7.30pm On the Way to School İki Dil Bir Bavul (Turkey 2009) Recently graduated primary teacher Emre has been sent to run a remote school in Turkish Kurdistan. He arrives to discover a village with no running water, a somewhat relaxed approach to school attendance and pupils who only speak Kurdish, a language fervently prohibited by the Turkish government. Filmed over one year, this is a beautiful, affectionate and gently humorous observation of Emre (never far from a phone call home to his mum) and his class, as they struggle to come to terms with one another's customs. £4 / £3 under 16. Pay on the door. Tour organised by Middle East Festival and Filmhouse in Edinburgh www.mesp.org.uk ww.filmhousecinema.com