I would like to call to your attention an exciting speaker coming to campus next Wednesday the 26th at 6:30 pm at the Multi-Purpose Conference room in the Commons. Ari Sandel, Winner of the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film, will be showing his movie, West Bank Story. Vanderbilt Hillel and the Interfaith council are working together to bring this event to Vanderbilt.

West Bank Story is "a musical comedy about Israelis and Palestinians that takes place between two falafel stands in the West Bank. It takes a humorous yet hopeful look at the conflict and as a result has received an overwhelming response from both Arab and Jewish audiences as well as international audiences who have all come to embrace the film. Sandel premiered West Bank Story at the Sundance Film Festival in 2005 and has since screened it at over 115 film festivals worldwide -- winning 26 awards." (courtesy of The Harry Walker Agency, Inc.)

Mr. Sandel will be talking after the film about his work and he is an extremely engaging speaker. He will discuss his experience of being a filmmaker and what it is like to be the director of a film that deals with controversial issues. He travels to many different universities, film festivals, and countries to show his film and share his experience.

The event is being held on Wednesday March 26th, 6:30 in the multi-purpose room at the Commons. If you have any questions about the program, please email Lindsey Smith at lindsey.a.smith@vanderbilt.edu.