The recently concluded Kuala Lumpur Palestine Film Festival (17-19 May @ GSC Pavilion) was a success by any measure. The movies screened over the three days left an indelible impression on its viewers.

"Five Broken Camera" & "Lemon Tree" which depicted day light robbery of Palestinian lands, burning of olive trees, chopping of lemon trees, killings, arrests and intimidations were clear favorites leaving many patrons shaken by its inhumanity and cruelty but determined to do more for the victims.

KLPFF met its two objectives; raising awareness regarding the Palestinian struggle and much needed funds for our projects. All the kind contributions in making this event a success cannot be overstated and we would like to record our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed and helped in some way or another.
The funds raised during this festival we hope will in some way alleviate the harsh and dire living conditions in Palestine.

Viva Palestina Malaysia (VPM) first collaborated with the Ministry of Information, Communication & Culture through the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) to stage the very successful inaugural Kuala Lumpur Palestine Film Festival from 4th – 6th February 2012 (KLPFF2012).

KLPFF2013 is a follow on from KLPFF2012 which not only succeeded in generating RM2 million in funds from both the public and the Ministry of Education, it was able to reach an audience largely not exposed to the realities of the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.

Our close collaboration with the Ministry has enabled us to showcase a film festival of international quality in the Asia-Pacific which we hope would remain a regular feature in our mainstreaming of the Palestine cause.

The objectives of the festival are twofold:
1. to create awareness about the Palestinian struggle through cinema; and
2. to raise funds for VPM's ongoing projects in Gaza.

This year the funds raised from the festival will be channeled to:

1. Rehabilitation of the agricultural sector in the Gaza Strip
2. Equipping a Paediatric Surgical Referral Centre for the Gaza Strip

Bringing together film makers from France and Britain among others, these movies juxtapose the complexity with the simplicity of the life of a Palestinian. The films reflect the legendary spirit of an entire people that stays unbroken in spite of over sixty years of brutal occupation. It is about ordinary people living extraordinary lives.

Tun Mahathir with VPM's Treasurer, Puan Sri Norma Hashim and VPM's guest, Dr Abdul Rahim Shehab, Director of Islamic Society Jabaliya, our NGO partner in Gaza. Seen in the other picture is VPM's Media commitee, Puan Noraini Hashim.

Harry Fear was in Kuala Lumpur to give a series of talks on the Palestine conflict as part of his world tour. His trip to Malaysia was organised by Viva Palestina Malaysia and it proved to be a very successful one as reported in The Star http://archives.thestar.com.my/search/?q=harry+fear

“If possible, visit Gaza.” These are the words of British independent journalist Harry Fear (pic), urging people to see for themselves what life is like in the embattled area in Palestine.

“Generally people don’t know what it is like for the Palestinians,” said Fear, 23, who is on a talking world tour to raise awareness about the situation in Palestine.

Malaysia is his seventh stopover after Britain, the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Canada and the United States.