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English version of 'O Jerusalem' screened in Delhi
3 Dec, 2007

New Delhi, Dec 2 (ANI): The English version of 'O Jerusalem', a film
based on the novel written by noted authors Dominique Lapierre and
Larry Collins set in the backdrop of the conflict between Arabs and
Jews, was screened in the Capital.

The Elie Chouraqui-directed movie was screened on the occasion of the
launch of the revised and enlarged Indian edition of 'O Jerusalem'
with photo layout and in-depth preface by Lapierre on Saturday.

While the cinematic adaptation in French was released in 2006, the
English adaptation was released in the US in October 2007.

"We are very proud tonight, first time in India to show our friends,
journalist friends of Delhi. This movie has been adapted from my book
'O Jerusalem'. We think it's very objective film and it gives very
good visuals in portion of what problems are still there in Israel and
Palestine," said Lapierre.

The author added that it took them good 26 years to capture the
historic struggle on celluloid, which started during the Israeli-Arab
conflict in 1948.

The movie is an epic drama, re-creating the historic struggle
surrounding the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. The film is
told from the alternating viewpoints of the Jews, Arabs and Brits, all
of who collide in their fight for the control of Jerusalem, while
bringing to the forefront themes of courage, terrorism, deprivation,
politics and a strong sense of morality.

Their involvement takes them from the streets of New York to The Holy
Land, where they risk their lives making incredible sacrifices along
the way to fight for what they believe in, as the city of their dreams
teeters on the brink of destruction.

"I think this film captures not only the pathos of the whole thing but
also demonstrates in a very, in a totally incredible passion how
religions ought to bring people together rather than separate them or
destroy millions in the process," said M. Vardarajan, former
secretary, culture department of the Government of India.

"As they said one day Jerusalem will becomes a city of peace, I would
just like to add that not only Jerusalem but the world becomes a world
of peace," Vardarajan added.

The book 'O Jerusalem' was first published in 1978 and now 2008
version brings to the limelight again the turmoil of May 1948, when
the British left Palestine, and blood and fire engulfed Jerusalem. The
book's newness lies in the intimate, heart-wrenching preface by
Dominique Lapierre.

"I admire him greatly. He's a great talent. He's a great man. He's a
good man. And that's the main thing. If this movie could bring out
some peace, it will be wonderful. That's my hope for this," says
Petreshia Phantam, an American.

The author is well acclaimed for his solo book 'City of Joy' that also
motivated him to start and fund City of Joy Aid, a rescue,
rehabilitation, and development action to improve the life of the
underprivileged of Kolkata and rural Bengal in India.

The duo enjoys the worldwide fame as the authors of several
best-selling books on modern history, including 'Freedom at Midnight'
and 'Is Paris Burning'. (ANI)
--MP

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