Palestinian film on suicide bombers wins Golden Globe

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"Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad was perhaps the most surprised man at the Golden Globes on Monday as his drama of suicide bombers crossing into Israel, "Paradise Now," was named the year's best foreign language film.

Abu-Assad, who works out of Holland but is now looking for a house in Hollywood Hills, had expected to lose as he did earlier this month to martial arts comedy "Kung Fu Hustle" at the Broadcast Film Critics awards.

He said he just assumed that too many people had either not seen his film or simply assumed it was too controversial. After all, Palestinian films are a rarity in the United States, especially ones that try to explain the politics of despair.

In his acceptance speech, Abu-Assad made a plea for a Palestinian state, saying he saw the Golden Globe as "a recognition that the Palestinians deserve their liberty and equality unconditionally."

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1. 'Paradise Now' nominated for best foreign language Oscar

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"Paradise Now," a film that follows two Palestinian youths who set out to commit a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv, was nominated Tuesday for best foreign language Oscar. It is the first time that a Palestinian movie has received an Academy Award nomination."

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"Earlier this month, "Paradise Now? won a Golden Globe award for best foreign language film.

After winning the Golden Globe award, Palestinian director Hany Abu-Assad said he is happy that thanks to his film, it is possible to relate to Palestinians not just in negative contexts such as terrorist attacks, but also in artistic contexts.

"Palestine is still not a state," said Abu-Assad, "and now we are being recognized as people who are entitled to be free. That is my real accomplishment."

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/677098.html