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.
