Unity, everyday issues tackled in film festival Four films offer a realistic view into the lives of Israelis and Palestinians, abandoning the focus of military conflicts Jacquelyn Lewis Pulse Editor Conflict in the Middle East has been the focus of abundant media attention as of late. However, the upcoming Middle East Film Festi val will focus on the Israeli-Pales tinian encounter rather than war or conflict between the groups. The festival, presented by the Eugene Middle East Peace Group, begins on Saturday and will in clude four films intended to pro vide a window into day-to-day is sues confronting people in Israel and Palestine. Two of the films will play at Bijou Art Cinemas, located at 492 E. 13th Ave., and two will show in 100 Willamette. Main festival organizer, Middle East Peace Group member and Ju daic Studies visiting lecturer Alon Raab said one of the event’s main goals is to give audience members new perspectives and information that popular media might not al ways reflect. “Our goal is to provide informa tion that is missing from the main stream media here and from most information outlets,” Raab said. “The films explain the situation as it is happening right now in Israel and Palestine, and some also pro vide hope.” Raab added that the Eugene Middle East Peace Group worked toward providing diversity within this goal by selecting films with varying themes. “Gaza Strip,” which will appear on Saturday at noon at Bijou Art Cinemas, focuses on life under oc cupation, while the “Beyond the Walls,” screening on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in 100 Willamette Hall, is a film about Palestinian and Israeli prisoners uniting. Academic adviser Karen Kennedy, who is also a member of the Middle East Peace Group, co organized the film festival. She said the themes in “Gaza Strip” are im portant “because most Americans don’t understand or know about (occupied territories).” Eugene Middle East Peace Group secretary Lisa Fragala agreed. “The American public needs to educate themselves and be aware of what is potentially happening there,” she said. “Promises,” portraits of Israeli and Palestinian youth, will play at Bijou Art Cinemas on April 19 at noon. The final film, “Frontiers of Dreams and Fears,” explores a friendship between two Palestin ian girls. It will screen on April 24 at 7 p.m. in 100 Willamette Hall. “We hope people come away from these films having a more complex and richer understand ing,” Kennedy said. “I think this community is really hungry for this kind of information.” Raab said the Middle East Peace Group hopes the festival will be come an annual affair. He said the peace group formed several years ago with three goals in mind: To foster dialogue between Palestini ans and Israelis, increase aware ness about the Middle East in the community and to raise funds for Middle East peace groups. The members, who come from varying backgrounds, participate in a vari ety of activities, from fundraisers and rallies to monthly potlucks and holiday celebrations. The film festival is supported by the peace group as well as a grant. All proceeds will benefit Grass roots International, an organiza tion directly supporting human rights, medical relief, social justice and peace work in Israel and Palestine. Fragala said the fundraising aspect is an important reason people should attend the films, and the money will help people living in “insufferable, des perate” conditions. Admission to each film will be a sliding scale donation of $5 to $15 at the door. Contact the Pulse editor atjacquelynlewis@dailyemerald.com. UO Tickets 346-4363 Hult Center 682-5000 UT Box Office 346-4191 Nights of performances ea n. 11,12,17,18, 19,25,26 - 8 TM JApriC 13 - 2 PM Matinee Benefit performance Call 484-9791 ext. 314 for benefit tickets ComicNfXYS *^£1 ® RECYCLE OUT WIT4I ttuOLD old shirt! A Bizzillion and combination of two pieces (t-shirts, sweaters, price. Bring worn out top and you to a third FREE! Choose from: Custo Ben Sherman, Works and more, for both men's top gear! A Bizzillion 901 Pearl Street (on the ground floor of the Eugene Hotel) g Hours: 12:00 - 5:30 Tues.-Sat. - Telephone: 541.485.1570 016179 Community Center for the Pertaining Arts Tonight i 8th & Lincoln Rocket From the Crept, The Spits, me Bronx Punk Rock $12 door, 8:oopm ■ Friday ■ Rock 'N’ Roll Soldiers, Die Lovers, The Bastard Saints, Pocket Face Rock $5 door, 8:oo pm ■ Monday ■ Frank Black t the Catholics, David Loverin?, Los Mex Pistols del Norte Rock $io advance, $12 door, 8:00 pm ■ Wednesday ■ 0. A. R. (Of A Revolution) with Franky Perez Jam Rock Reggae $12.50 advance, $15 door, 8:00 pm ■ Tuesday, April 22■ the Polyphonic Spree, Summer Hymns, Patrick Park Psychedelic Chamber Music $12.50 advance, $15 door, 8:00 pm All Ages Welcome • 687-2746 web Pore/ and NOT just online London.$472 Paris.$491 Madrid.$684 San Jose, C.R...$573 Fare is roundtrip from Eugene. Subject to change and availability. Tax not included. Restrictions and blackouts apply. THltWEEK AT JOHN HENRVi EVERY WEDNESDAY HIGHER GROUND IOUND DANCE HALL DJ I JO PM S2