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Shed Stereotypes, Urge DIFF Panelists

Panelists Algerian Mohammed Moulessehoul, better known in the literary world as Yasmina Khadra, American musician and social activist Harry Belafonte, Ethiopian filmmaker Haile Gerima and India-born Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta discussed the need to accept the presence of new economic, social and political paradigms.

“Looking at the remarkable progress the world has made, I feel there is a lot of hope and great opportunities lying ahead. Obama presents hope for the world. He is open to talks with anyone and this represents a huge contrast to other world leaders,” said Belafonte.

“We are at the threshold of great opportunities to see the world in a new dimension, History has now disproved cinema stereotypes and we have the chance to change these perceptions. We have the responsibility as artists and people in the government to commit to change,” added the Jamaican American musician and actor.

Gerima severely criticised Hollywood for distorting perceptions and even conflicts for centuries, and urged filmmakers to liberate themselves and tell their own tales.

“The most divisive, sinuous and criminal form of racism comes from cinema. Filmmakers should want to liberate themselves. Whose story is the official story?” he demanded, alluding to global conflicts like the raging Palestine-Israel issue.

Mehta, on her part, observed how she had shed her political naivete to become more vigilant after her socially sensitive trilogy — Fire, Earth and Water — had evoked widespread unrest in India. “I walked on territory that was highly politicised and mobs were demanding my films be shut down, saying they were against Indian culture. I don’t think films can change anything. However, you are lucky if you can start a dialogue,” said the film director, whose film Heaven on Earth is being screened at DIFF.

preeti@khaleejtimes.com

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