Multi-media exhibition, film and discussion bringing Palestinian voices from the West Bank

Mika Minio-Paluello, who graduated from Cambridge last summer, is returning to Cambridge from the West Bank this weekend, bringing with him a multimedia exhibition from Balata Refugee Camp.

The exhibition will open at 2pm this Sunday at the Emmanuel United Reform Church, Trumpington Street. At 7:30pm there will be a film about Mika's experience in Palestine and an opportunity for discussion on the issues raised.

On Monday the 15th of March the exhibition will move to Cafe Afrika on Sturton Street, where it will be open from 4pm to 8pm, with the film screening at 6:30pm. They'll be food and music from Cambridge DJs afterwards.

Entrance is free and Mika and Kelly Bornshlegel will be present to answer questions on both days.

Setting off after completing his degree at Emmanuel College last summer, Mika has worked in part with the International Solidarity Movement, helping Palestinian people living under Israeli occupation.

He spent much of his time in Balata collecting materials with Kelly to show in the exhibition. The exhibition includes video shot by Mika and by locals in the camp, as well as photographs, children's art, music, women's embroidery and art, stories and poetry.

It is hoped that the exhibition will raise awareness about the daily life of the people of Balata, attempting to represent the complexity and reality of life in the camp.

Mika says: "The content is determined by the people of the camp, and will both represent life there and bring a message to people in the in the UK and US. Balata Refugee Camp is one of the hardest hit communities in the West Bank and we hope to get across the extraordinary courage and determination of people who have survived its harsh conditions for many years".

You can read more about Mika's and Kelly's experience at:
www.notesfrompalestine.net
www.minio.co.uk/balata.htm

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