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Film about Palestinian hunger striker to be screened at Cannes Festival

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A film about a Palestinian hunger striker protesting being held in Israeli detention without trial will be featured at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

The 11-minute film called "Al-Qeeq" depicts the relationship between the prisoner – journalist Mohammed al-Qiq – and an Israeli investigator, according to Iranian website, anba24. The film is directed by Palestinian screenwriter Nawras Abu Saleh, who will also play the role of al-Qiq.

Al-Qiq, 33, was arrested by Israeli security forces in November and detained on suspicion of being involved in Hamas terrorist activity.

He began his hunger strike on November 25 – four days after his arrest - and ended the 94-day protest last month, after a deal was struck between Palestinian and Israeli officials. The agreement stipulated that al-Qiq would remain in hospital in Afula to receive medical treatment until May 21 - a date which shortens his remand by one month. He had been surviving on nothing but water for over three months.

Another of Abu Saleh's films, "Oversized Coat" which examines Palestinian life between 1987 and 2011 was screened in Gaza last month – the first public screening since political tensions led to the torching of cinemas in the enclave 20 years ago.

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