11.  An Egyptian court on Thursday barred further showing of a popular film by internationally acclaimed director Yousef Chahine, saying it violated the Islamic ban against depicting religious prophets.

12.  The acclaimed Italian director is staying at the posh Hotel Des Bains instead of the elegant Excelsior hotel, where jury presidents usually stay.

13.  The four films by acclaimed Iranian director Mohsen Makhmalbaf were shown at the Jerusalem Film festival earlier this month.