14/04/2017 - The development support award handed out in Istanbul went to the project by Rana Kazkaz and Anas Khalaf, which has also been selected for the Cinéfondation Atelier

Anas Khalaf (left) with the CNC Award in Istanbul (© Meetings on the Bridge)

Handed out by the CNC at the 22^nd edition of Meetings on the Bridge, the professional sidebar of the 36th Istanbul Film Festival, the development support grant (endowed with €8,000) has been bestowed upon the project The Translator [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Rana Kazkaz and Anas Khalaf
film profile] by duo of Syrian heritage Rana Kazkaz and Anas Khalaf (who previously made a huge splash with their short films, most notably Mare Nostrum). Interestingly, this project has also been selected for the 13^th edition of the Cinéfondation Atelier, which will unspool from 19-25 May as part of the 70th Cannes Film Festival (see the news). 

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Written by Rana Kazkaz and Magali Negroni, based on an original idea by Rana Kazkaz and Anas Khalaf, the story begins in March 2011. As the Syrian Civil War erupts, a political refugee decides to return to Syria illegally and risk everything to free his brother, who has been arrested by the Assad regime.

The production is being staged by Nicolas Leprêtre and Raphaël Alexandre for Paris-based outfit Georges Films, together with Synéastes Films (the filmmakers’ company, based in Jordan).

(Translated from French)